Two to Tango Can Lessen Dark Art
Only team captains are permitted to approach the referee during Euro24
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How refreshing to see only two players approach the referee after a (major) decision is made. For example, during the opening match when referee Clement Turpin whistled for a penalty kick to Germany in the 24’, we saw only the two team captains approach and talk with the referee.
We have become accustomed now to seeing a gaggle of players surround, harangue and pressure match referees, especially when a penalty or red card is awarded. This dark art is always done with the cynicism of intimidating the referee and putting doubt in the referee’s mind (Football Dark Arts DD26 Rile the Referee).
Therefore, it was noticeable that other players deliberately kept their distance from the match referee in the 24’ of the opening match at Euro24. It is obvious that at Euro24 all national teams have been briefed on the tournament guidelines.
The tournament guidelines, particularly in cutting out various dark arts, have been set by UEFA’s managing director of refereeing Roberto Rosetti and is a huge positive for referees everywhere. What is seen to be done at the highest levels will naturally be adopted at the lower and grassroots levels.
Note, where the team captain is a goalkeeper then it makes no sense to expect the keeper to sprint up to the R every time a big decision is made. This is where the role of vice captains comes into play. Some fans have previously questioned why managers have vice captains; well, identifying and acknowledging leaders of a team is an important part of management and in this case, it also serves a practical purpose. For instance, Italy’s captain is keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and Jorginho is the approved designated player who is permitted to approach the R.
Question: Will this “Two Captains per Referee” approach be maintained during the Euro24 tournament? Let’s wait and see before answering this question.
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References
Uefa wants only captains to speak to refs at Euros (BBC Sport)
EURO24 This is How VAR Works (Footy Dark Arts)