Players to see red over blue language

PLAYERS are facing a crackdown on abusive language to match officials, on-pitch mass confrontations and dangerous tackles ahead of the new soccer season.

Teams have been warned that verbal abuse of officials, such as that directed at Graham Poll by Wayne Rooney at Highbury last season, will now be punished by an immediate red card.

Referees will take a stronger stance towards mass confrontations between players, while managers have been reminded of their responsibility towards the game in terms of restraining their post-match comments and pre-match mind games.