Premier League managers have been reacting to the news that ‘blue cards’ and sin-bins could be introduced into the division in the near future, and it’s fair to say the reaction has not been positive.
Reports this week emerged claiming The International Football Association Board (IFAB) are considering rule changes and the introduction of a blue card, which would be reserved for actions of dissent, cynical tactical fouls, and lead to a 10-minute sin-bin.
The proposal comes after a successful implementation of the sin-bin into grassroots football and trials are expected to take place in the near future.
However, Premier League managers have questioned the need to make changes to the current laws, with several speaking out against ‘blue cards’ at their pre-weekend press conferences.
Premier League managers react to ‘blue card’ idea:
Eddie Howe (Newcastle): “I’m not a big fan to be honest, that’s what yellow cards are for. The system works but just needs to be refined. Blue cards would just add confusion so I’m against it.”
Mauricio Pochettino (Chelsea): “Difficult to express how I feel about the blue card. Difficult to explain, at the moment we don’t have much information about that. I don’t know, I think that will create more debate, be more complicated for the referees, players and fans.
“At the moment it’s not a good idea but we’ll see what happens after it has an opportunity to see how it works. My first feeling is that it is so complicated because there are so many question marks.”
Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool): “It doesn’t sound like a fantastic idea in the first moment. But actually, I can’t remember when the last fantastic idea came from these guys – if they ever had one. Ifab… nope. I’m 56… nah.”
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal): “I don’t know if we are ready to be fair. We have a lot going on with decisions, technology. I don’t know if we are ready for that yet. Hopefully it will be tested very well before we introduce it at this level.”
Unai Emery (Aston Villa): “I don’t care about it a lot, I think the referees and those making the decision have to analyse it deeply, but it is not my concern.”
Rob Edwards (Luton): “No. We’re a long way off it coming into our game at the moment.”
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