Manchester United defender Raphael Varane criticizes English FA authorities for ignoring player concerns and increasing player workload after new English football rules to avoid time wasting were introduced.
As part of the new regulations, referees will add the exact time lost in goal celebrations, substitutions or injuries to the stoppage time. In previous seasons, the policy was to aggregate a nominal period of time.
In the aftermath of Arsenal’s Community Shield triumph over Manchester City, a notable eight minutes of added time were allotted in the second half. Additionally, the opening round of matches in the second-tier Championship witnessed several instances of 10 or more minutes of added time.
From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being,” Varane said on X, a social media platform previously recognized as Twitter.
“Despite our previous feedbacks, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players.”
“We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?”- Varane criticizes English FA
City Manager Pep Guardiola Joins Critique of Officiating Alterations as Premier League Champions Concede Equalizer in 11th Minute of Added Time.
“What is their opinion, we have to accept it. Now the games will be 100 minutes, that’s for sure,” Guardiola told reporters on Sunday.
“It never happened today and it was eight minutes, imagine if they extend for goals and every time you score a goal in a game [that is] 4-3. You put 30 seconds, 45 seconds on for seven goals, tomorrow morning 9 a.m. I am here playing.”
The Community Shield event provided a glimpse into the enforcement of recently introduced regulations aimed at enhancing the conduct of players, managers, and fans. An illustrative incident involved Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who received a yellow card for his protest against a refereeing decision from the touchline. This episode exemplifies the heightened emphasis on promoting improved behavior within the realm of football.
“I just said: ‘listen, I cannot change my behaviour in three days,'” Arteta told reporters of his yellow card.
