Players To Be Shown Red Card For Deliberately Coughing At Opponents

By Nsunjo Erica

Under new guidelines issued by England’s Football Association (FA) amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Players who deliberately cough at opponents or referees can be shown red or yellow cards

According to FA, the instructions to referees taking charge of games when COVID-19 restrictions are in place will come into force immediately and be applied at all levels of the game.

The FA in a document, the document said to referees that action should be taken when “the referee is certain someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official…”

The FA document further added that the offense would fall under the category of “using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures”.

“If the incident was not severe enough to merit a sending-off, caution could be issued for ‘unsporting behavior – shows a lack of respect for the game’.” The document added.

The document added that referees must not look to punish “routine” coughing and should remind players to avoid spitting on the ground, although it is not an act of misconduct.

Previously, the outbreak of COVID-19 saw the suspension and canceling of various sporting activities and games including football, the premier league, and champions’ league inclusive.

Not long ago the games were resumed and a variety of guidelines were put in place to combat the spread of the COVID19 virus amidst the resume of the games. Offering a red or yellow card to players who deliberately cough at opponents or referees is just another one of those guidelines.