Players to face new behaviour rules

Players face being sent off if they confront match officials and use offensive language under a new initiative announced ahead of the 2016-17 season.

The Premier League, English Football League and Football Association believe poor conduct has reached an 'unacceptable level' and have agreed a new set of rules in a bid to stop "intolerable behaviour" by players and managers.

From the start of the 2016-17 season, yellow cards will be issued to player red cards will be issued to players who confront match officials and use offensive language, while managers will also be expected to behave accordingly.

"English football authorities have noticed over the past four seasons that intolerable behaviour by players and managers in their competitions have reached unacceptable levels in certain areas," a statement from the Premier League read.

We and our clubs have been discussing for some time concerns that certain elements of player behaviour are overstepping the mark and it is our collective position that these types of behaviour should no longer be tolerated,” Richard Scudamore, Executive Chairman, the Premier League said.

"Things happen in the heat of the moment during fast and highly competitive football; we still want to see the passion fans enjoy and demand, but players and managers have to be aware there are lines that should not be crossed.”

Yellow cards will be issued to players who:

-Show visibly disrespectful behaviour to any match official

-Respond aggressively to decisions

-Confront an official face to face

-Run towards an official to contest a decision

-Use offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures towards match officials

-Make hysical contact with any match official in a non-aggressive manner (e.g. an inquisitive approach to grab the official’s attention)p

-At least one player when two or more from a team surround a match official

Red cards will be issued to players who:

-Confront match officials and use offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures towards them.

-Make physical contact with match officials in an aggressive or confrontational manner.