The legendary Italian referee feels that it is the right time for ringing in changes to the game; and discusses goal-line official’s role.
Former Italian referee, Pierluigi Collina, believes that it's about time the governing body made changes in the game.
The former Serie A referee has had top-flight refereeing experiences for 14 years, and speaks his mind with an abundance of football knowledge.
The UEFA head of referee’s role sees him supervise the technical policies and delegating match officials for the governing body’s competitions. He feels there is an instinctive need for a change in the manner in which games are
officiated.
One rule in particular that has caught the attention of Collina is about brandishing players with a red-card and subsequently awarding a penalty. He believes it imbalances the match, as the offender has two prices to pay, a numerical
disadvantage and a penalty-kick against them.
“Is it not enough to give a penalty kick to return the clear chance of scoring to a team, without also altering, with the case of a red card, the rest of the game?” inquired the Bologna-born referee.
While speaking to Radio anch’io lo sport, the Italian informed that this issue is under consideration, and could be implemented very soon.
The 52-year-old explained that on some instances where there is a clear chance for scoring a goal, the offender would no longer be sent-off but would be given a yellow yard for a foul. Current rules imply that any such tackle would
result in a red-card within the box, and a yellow card if outside the box.
However, Pierluigi Collina also cleared any ambiguity surrounding his statement. He maintained that malicious tackles would be dealt with harshly. He continued by remarking,
“Is it not an antiquated rule? We say that this has been a subject of discussion for years. Let me be clear, no-one is saying to not send off players who are disrespectful to opponents of the game [deliberately denying a clear
goal-scoring opportunity].”
The Italian will have an opportunity to voice his opinions in the next meeting of the International Football Association Board next month.
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