Football world divided over plans for controversial new rule
Pundits and fans are outraged at the potential introduction of a sin bin in football.
The use of sin-bins could soon be introduced into professional football, in a move designed to tackle referee abuse. Football lawmakers have recommended temporary dismissals be trialled in the professional game for offences such as dissent and tactical fouls.
The rule change was backed by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) at its annual business meeting in London on Tuesday after it was successfully implemented at the grassroots level in England since 2019. Its introduction would mean that players who receive a yellow card will spend 10 minutes on the sidelines.
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A cynical foul to stop a promising counter-attack that isn't deemed red card worthy is also set to result in a sin bin, much like a professional foul in the NRL that sees a player sit down for 10 minutes as punishment. Whether the proposed trials will be implemented at the Premier League level is yet to be decided, with a call set to be made in March.
Another trial that is set to be introduced at the professional level is the captain being the only player allowed to approach a referee. English football officials are said to be keen on trialing that process after chief refereeing officer, Howard Webb, said more must be done to control player behaviour.
But the new rule changes have caused fierce debate, with some fans and pundits arguing the changes will 'kill the game'. Arsenal great Paul Merson wrote on Sky Sports UK: “So they want to bring in sin bins. Sin bins? Pathetic. In rugby union, you go down to 14 players, the other team's looking at scoring seven to 10 points. It’s a massive advantage. A massive advantage".
"You put someone in the sin bin in football for 10 minutes, you’re killing the game. You'd get 10 players sitting behind the ball the whole time, it'd be the most boring football ever. It's an absolute waste of time, a waste of time."
Sin bins in football ? I’m so intrigued to hear everyone’s thoughts on this ?
I personally don’t like it because the level of tolerance and inconsistencies from referees will differ every week!— John Terry (@JohnTerry26) November 28, 2023
Sin Bins in football what we saying? Our officials can't even get red cards and yellow cards right. Adding another option would be carnage if we're honest
— Mark Goldbridge (@markgoldbridge) November 28, 2023
They want Sin Bins in football but they’re struggling to get Var decisions right! One step at time a time please!!!
— Saeed TV (@SaeedTV_) November 28, 2023
Sin bins in football should have happened years ago,
The way they dive, roll around on the floor and scream at the ref is pathetic.
If used correctly that sin bin would stop all that.#sinbin— Rhys williams (@Rhysywilliams) November 28, 2023
Push for harsher goalkeeper punishment for time-wasting
Along with the proposed sin bin rule, another recommended law change could see goalkeepers who are ruled to be time-wasting punished with a corner awarded against them. The Law-making International FA Board believe keepers routinely abuse the 'six-second' rule and say steps need to be taken to rectify the issue.
Iconic referee Pierluigi Collina said: "I have seen keepers with the ball in their hand for 10, 15, 20, 25 seconds. That’s not acceptable. The issue was that giving an indirect free-kick inside the box might be considered too harsh a punishment."
"But we think we have found a solution. We may consider increasing the time given to the goalkeeper - sometimes six seconds is too little. But then they have to expect this alternative punishment would be given."
To introduce it fairly, lawmakers would also look at extending the period of time keepers are allowed to keep the ball in their hands, extending the timeframe from 6 seconds up to 10 seconds.
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