Italian Football Federation clamps down on abusive language
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has adopted new steps to dismiss players for foul and abusive language.
In a radical push to curb foul language and poor behaviour on the field of play, the FIGC has given referees the power to show abusive players an instant red card.
The Federation have also announced that offenders can also be punished for the same transgression with the use of video technology.
“The referee can sanction such an offence with a red card,” said FIGC President Giancarlo Abete. “And if the referee doesn’t spot it then penalties can be issued later thanks to TV evidence.”
Two other disciplinary steps were also agreed upon. The first was to allow additional time for disciplinary authorities to gather TV evidence.
As it stands, images are only allowed to be collated by midday on the day after games. That deadline has now been moved to 4pm.
In another move, players will now be fined for displaying T-shirt messages under their jerseys during games.
“The logic behind it is to improve levels of conduct,” continued Abete. “Players can’t exhibit personal, political or religious messages.”
From football-italia.net