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talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan argues for an ‘Orange Card’ to be introduced into football

talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan argues for an ‘Orange Card’ to be introduced into football, and it’s had many debating the matter since.

The former Crystal Palace owner turned radio presenter has put forward the argument for an ‘orange card’, that sits in the middle of a yellow and red.

This idea was mentioned back in 2014 by Jerome Champagne, a FIFA presidential candidate at the time, suggested introducing orange cards that would allow referees to send players to a sin-bin, something we’re already seeing in part of non league.

Former referee George Courtney, who was an official at two World Cups, said the introduction of orange cards would be a welcome one.

“It would have to be under the right criteria but I think the time has come to seriously consider sin-bins,” Courney told BBC.

“I expect the international board would be considering them. Red-card offences should still be punished with a red card but maybe for some other offences it would work.”

Another ex-ref, Roger Milford, claimed it would make football “too dictatorial”, but eight years on, Simon Jordan believes there is still a case for a third card.

He said: “I do think there’s a case for a third card that goes in the middle based upon an offence, so it becomes a rated card.

“So, for example, you get booked for taking your shirt off, and then your next offence is dissent. That could become an orange card. Then that takes somebody out of the game for ten minutes.

“A red card retains the red card position, which is once you get a red card, you’re out of the game full stop irrespective.”

talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan argues for an ‘Orange Card’ to be introduced into football

SIN BINS IN ENGLISH FOOTBALL

From the 2019-20 season, temporary dismissals also known as ‘sin bins’ were introduced across all levels of grassroots football to improve levels of respect and fair play in the game.

Any player committing dissent will now find themselves given a 10-minute temporary dismissal from the pitch.

This rule change was implemented up to Step 5 of the National League System and Tier 3 and below in women’s football.

10-minute sin bin dismissals are issued at the discretion of referees as punishment for dissent, and apply to all levels of grassroots football, including youth, veterans and disability.

The FA piloted sin bins across 31 leagues before the Covid pandemic as part of their commitment to improve the match day experience for all and the new rule change will be used up to Step 5 of the National League System and Tier 3 and below in women’s football.

After positive feedback from players, referees and coaches, they said they would now roll out sin bins in a bid to increase participation and to continue improving match day experiences for all.

What do the players think?

“I initially thought it was going to be a nightmare and that players would be in the sin bin every week. But players quickly got used to it and, as the season went on, everybody respected the rules more and players have learnt not to react in a disrespectful way towards officials and others on and around the pitch.” – Mason Newman, Great Shelford, Kershaw Premier League

“The introduction of sin bins has been great and it definitely makes players think twice before overreacting to decisions or arguing with officials. It increases the respect between everybody involved and that can only be a positive.” – Jon White, Beckenham Manor, Orpington & Bromley Division Two

Thoughts on it from coaches / managers?

“I’m pleased to see the introduction of sin bins, anything to try and improve the atmosphere around grassroots football and especially to avoid the abuse of referees. I felt it had a positive impact in the matches I took a part in. My own team tended to only have a few players likely to chat to the referee, but it allowed me to instruct my own players that if they were sin binned, then after the ten minutes were up I would substitute them for the remainder of the game. As a result, we did not have a single yellow card for dissent – therefore it must have done something good. I would say nearly every manager has welcomed the introduction of sin bins, and I found that in general the atmosphere of the vast majority of games was improved. Referees have a near impossible job that I would not personally do, so if initiatives like sin bins ensure they stay in the game, it’s good with me.” – Benjamin Costello, manager-coach, Easingwold Town AFC U19s, York & District FA

“For me, sin bins can only be a success as it reiterates the importance of self-discipline for the good of the team. Putting an individual in the sin bin for dissent, rather than giving a yellow card, has a much greater effect as it makes them consider the impact it’s having on their teammates.” – Dean Garlick, manager, Bexley United in the Orpington & Bromley Division One

What do the referees say?

“I haven’t had any issues when putting players into the sin bin and the respect from players and managers towards the referee has certainly increased. When in the sin bin players tend to realise they’ve let their team down and it improves their behaviour for future matches.” – Liberatore di Cesare, Kent County League, Southern Counties East FL, Inner London County Schools FA

“Sin bins have been a brilliant addition to match control and the reaction has been fantastic. Talking to players and explaining the rules so that they don’t offend again in the same game is always positive. It increases credibility to referees, gives more respect and shows fair play by the FA by not implementing a fine for the first offence.” – Mike Sullivan, various leagues

“The impact has been very positive and it can only be a good thing that it’s being rolled out more widely. Players are now more reluctant to give abuse for fear of leaving teammates short for 10 minutes, while managers are supportive. I’ve only actioned two sin bins and the players’ responses were that it was deserved and will keep them quiet in future.” – John Ryan, Orpington & Bromley District Sunday League

SEE MORE: Jim White bemused with Forest Green owner over his ‘shock’ revelation live on air

There was reaction as talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan argues for an ‘Orange Card’ to be introduced into football…

@cef_cfc: Why change something that’s not broken?!

@fyfesfields: Stop messing about with the rules and have referees who can actually enforce them. Players know the rules, weak officiating allows them to bend them 🙄

@sporrendo: Everyone wants this. The years of people endlessly saying “red and yellow cards just aren’t enough” will finally be over. Oh wait, it’s never been an issue. Ever.

@joewllls: surely this will make dissent worse if players know they can get sent off for 10 mins then come straight back on? 🤔

@FairfieldVilla: Already in use in grassroots ( 10 minute sun bin) but then again we haven’t got VAR thank the lord

@SamWils09165303: So we’re arguing to send players off for 10 mins instead of a whole game because of dissent, this will just cause more dissent in football as players will get a lighter punishment for it.

@hulllad47: Only time I’ve disagreed with Simon

@Wolvo_Blake: I think we should make the goals bigger also to accommodate players like Bruno Fernandes, Lukaku & Timo Werner

@smeethy15: Refs can’t get red and yellows correct even with the help of VAR, what chance do they have introducing a 3rd card. Nice idea but it’s never going to work.

@Jonathon1412: Dissent cautions at grassroots level already involve a Sin Bin for 10mins….works really welll imo

@TheOnlyTyrrell: I’ve spent more time in the sin bin than playing this year

@degenscum: I think he makes a fair point. Not necessarily for dissent but people seem to be getting sent off for next to nothing these days. 2 semi late (and probably harmless) tackles and you’re off; when you think of what people used to get away with it’s gone too far the other way.

@Richholman1983: In hockey, we have 3 cards. Green card… off for 2 minutes. Yellow card off for 5/10 mins depending on the offence. Then the red card! Football needs a system to stop people from kicking the ball away/cheating. A 2/5/10 minute sun bun would stop all of it!!

@shaung79: 100% should be given a trial. I think back to Saka being dragged back against Italy. Not serious enough for a red, but more serious than a yellow. Orange card sin bin for 15 mins. Used for things like that and where a second yellow might be harsh for a red, as Jordan suggests here.

@gcc1990: Playing at the top level players should be very much aware of the rules and play with caution after a first yellow. If players get a 2nd yellow then more fool them. I wouldn’t be giving players more room for error.

@scottydevlin08: Agreed mate! If a player kicks the ball away and gets booked! Then proceeds to go and make a stupid tackle in a 50/50 well that’s poor game management and he deserves the red card! They know the rules.

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