Fans of English football can now brace themselves for some rather unpleasant changes regarding refereeing, which will be implemented from the new season starting at the end of this week, with the first round of matches in the Football League.
Referees have received new instructions, and as a result, fans can expect significantly extended match durations, akin to what was witnessed during the World Cup in Qatar, potentially leading to matches lasting well over 100 minutes. It is even suggested that it will become uncommon for a Premier League match to be concluded in less time.
In the previous season, the actual playing time in League 2 was a mere 48 minutes, 50 minutes in League 1, 52 minutes in the Championship, and around 55 minutes in the Premier League. However, with the new changes, more time will be added to the game clock, including for prolonged goal celebrations, and referees will have the responsibility of announcing the exact amount of added time when the game is halted.
Furthermore, referees will be required to take a stricter stance on penalizing time-wasting. Matches like the one in Qatar between England and Iran, which had 24 minutes of added time and a total duration of 117 minutes due to numerous substitutions, goals, and injuries, will no longer be considered exceptional.
Referees will also need to exercise more caution when awarding free kicks to avoid disrupting the flow of the game. However, they must still be accurate in their judgments for serious fouls and actions that pose a risk to players’ safety, leading to the issuance of red cards.
Regarding player protests against their decisions, referees will not be as unwavering and will not be obligated to show yellow cards to everyone displaying aggressive behavior. Nevertheless, players who go to great lengths to protest will be subject to sanctions.
In terms of manager conduct, there will be increased scrutiny regarding their presence outside the restricted area in front of the team bench. If a manager is sent off or a member of the coaching staff is expelled, they will be prohibited from watching the match from the stands.
The Premier League season kicks off on August 11th, Friday, with the match between Burnley and Manchester City.
