Want a yellow? You've got one
Sunday, December 28, 2003
Article summary
A Dutch initiative has called for players to be booked for urging referees to caution opponents.
Article body
Growing number
The KNVB has ordered its referees to show a yellow card immediately to any player who is asking for a yellow card for his opponent. "In the very recent past, we have seen a growing number of players in the Dutch league showing this condemnable behaviour," KNVB referee co-ordinator Jaap Uilenberg explained. "To do something against this bad habit, the KNVB has decided to sanction this behaviour with a yellow card."
Hiddink views
Discussion about this issue was kindled by PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink, who had publicly admonished his own player Arjen Robben for such conduct. The young Dutch international had annoyed his coach by asking for yellow cards for his opponents. "A 19-year-old player is allowed to make mistakes, but he has to leave all those gestures behind. We have spoken to him about it," Hiddink said.
Growing pains
"He still has to learn to act like a man if he is faced with a fierce opponent," the experienced trainer added. "But he is an intelligent boy, and he will soon learn from this. We must not forget Robben is only 19. These are just the growing pains that go with his age."
