Premier League Referees Set to Increase Number of Yellow Cards for Bad Behaviour

The Premier League is set to see an increase in the number of yellow cards dished out to players and coaches as referees look to clamp down on bad behaviour. Referee chief Howard Webb has stated that officials will no longer be able to “manage or ignore” certain behaviours that they previously would have been lenient towards.

This change has already been seen in the first weekend of the EFL season, with almost double the usual amount of yellow cards shown. Referees have been instructed to show at least one yellow card if two or more players confront them, and any dissent or unsportsmanlike conduct will also be reprimanded. This includes actions from the technical area, meaning that managers such as Jurgen Klopp will need to be mindful of their behaviour.

Liverpool have sat towards the top of the fair play table for the past five seasons, but they will need to be aware of the changes that are being made. Last season, the Reds were shown 57 yellow cards, the joint-fifth fewest in the Premier League. Their biggest culprit was Fabinho, with 13.

Part of the new directive has also seen time-wasting rules put into effect, and we’ve already seen matches last over 110 minutes in the Football League. Players and managers alike have expressed their dissatisfaction with this rule, but it looks set to remain in place for the foreseeable future.

It is important that players and coaches understand that certain behaviours will no longer be tolerated, and that referees will be taking a stricter stance on dissent and bad behaviour. This could lead to an increase in the number of yellow cards shown, so teams such as Liverpool will need to be aware of this and ensure that their players are not putting themselves at risk of being carded.

Overall, it is clear that referees are taking a tougher stance on bad behaviour in the Premier League, and this could lead to an increase in the number of yellow cards dished out. Players and coaches alike will need to be aware of this change and ensure that they are not putting themselves at risk of being carded. It is important that everyone understands that certain behaviours will no longer be managed or ignored, and that referees will be taking a stricter stance on dissent and bad behaviour.