FIFA medical chief wants more action from refs, coaches to curb violent soccer play

FIFA med chief wants curb on violent soccer fouls

BRUSSELS — FIFA’s medical chief has decried the rise in career-ending fouls over the past two years, calling on referees to show more red-cards and for coaches to do their part in reducing violent play.

Michel D’Hooghe told The Associated Press that “some of the fouls send shivers down your spine.” He has produced a DVD of some of the worst fouls committed over the past two years to help get the message across to all national federations that such behavior has to be eliminated.

He said the two worst types of fouls, the tackle from behind and the illegal use of the elbow, should get an automatic red card. He said he’s disappointed referees often fail to apply the rules strictly enough.