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Referees told to stay tough in Euro 2004
Players who tackle from behind, dive, or take off their shirts after scoring face instant retribution from referees from the time Italian Pierluigi Collina whistles to start Euro 2004 on Saturday. The 12 referees and assistants who will handle the 31 matches, were given their final instructions by UEFA on Thursday with strict orders not to tolerate tackles from behind or "brutal play" which, as ever, will be an immediate red card offence.
Players who simulate injury or dive will be yellow-carded, as will those who take off their shirts to celebrate goals. Pulling the shirt over the head, however, can go unpunished. Referees will also be seen to measure out the distance players must stand from free kicks, 10 yards (9.15 metres), while smoking is now banned in the technical areas and dugouts. Volker Roth, a former international referee and now chairman of UEFA's Referees Committee, said the safety of the players on the field was the ruling body's paramount concern. "We have the 12 best referees in Europe here, and there are only another four or five referees in the rest of the world of their quality," he said. "I am sure we will have a very successful tournament, we have worked closely with the national coaches telling them to pass on to their players what we expect. I am sure we will have a tournament played in a fine sporting spirit." Collina, the world's most famous referee because of his distinctive bald head, will set the tone for the competition by officiating Saturday's opening match between hosts Portugal and Greece in Porto. |
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