Red card rules may be altered

PLAYERS may no longer be sent off for fouls which deny an obvious goal-scoring opportunity if the referee gives a penalty as well, under a proposal submitted to the game’s rulemaking body.

There has been a growing chorus of opinion that the punishment is too harsh – a penalty, a red card for the defender and a subsequent suspension.

FIFA have submitted the item to the International FA Board meeting on March 6 and the outcome may be that the offence is downgraded to a yellow card if a penalty is awarded.