Uefa stand up to be counted

The wind of change is sweeping through football on the issue of player behaviour and Uefa are determined not to be left behind.

While Uefa president Michel Platini has already said that this summer's Euro 2008 in Austria and Switzerland would be used to highlight the need for more respect within the game, his organisation have now instructed referees to implement clarified directives.

At a workshop last week referees officiating in the summer were handed a six-point list.

One of the main thrusts was over the relationship between players and match officials.

The instructions are pretty clear: "Referees can accept a spontaneous expression of frustration from players, but will firmly sanction players who show dissent to the referees by word or action.

"Any players involved in mass confrontation have to realise that the main protester(s), including any who run over to join in, will get a yellow card."

Refs have been ordered to "act firmly (red card) against challenges involving excessive force including the illegal use of arms and elbows".

It's not just players that have to watch their behaviour: "If a coach openly criticises the referee, action will be taken to curb his behaviour."

Luckily for British players they have the summer off to watch how these new directives are enforced, but for the rest - you have been warned.

Expect some card action from the boys in black.