The Liverpool manager was asked about his thoughts on the blue card and Sin Box ideas on Friday. And it’s fair to say the Kop manager isn’t too keen on the potential addition to the game.
Jurgen Klopp believes the introduction of blue cards and sin cards in football “doesn’t sound like a fantastic idea” and will make life difficult for referees.
News broke on Thursday that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to announce the introduction of blue cards, meaning a 10-minute penalty for dissent and flagrant fouls. This idea has been widely criticized.
FIFA stressed on Thursday evening that blue cards will not initially be used at the elite levels of the game. However, the backlash prompted the IFAB to withdraw its initial statement. Instead, the issue will be discussed further at next month’s annual general meeting in Loch Lomond, Scotland, before discussing next steps.
Asked for his opinion at Friday’s pre-match press conference, Liverpool manager Klopp said the introduction of blue cards would give referees “more chances to fail”. “I think the whole situation shows that we have to be as simple as possible, even for refereeing,” the German said.”It’s difficult. It’s very emotional when we talk about it, especially after the game. And I think the introduction of the blue card leaves more room for failure because you talk about ‘it was a blue card’.”
If it’s a yellow card or paper, now 10 minutes are free, but in the past, it was red or just yellow.’ “Such situations are difficult. If they want to test it, whether it’s the first step in a business or if they’re confident it’s going to happen, I have no problem with that.
“It doesn’t seem like a fantastic idea at first, but I can’t remember the last time these guys had a fantastic idea. I am 56 years old and have never been like this.
Wolves manager Gary O’Neill believes blue cards could “hurt” the experience at the stadium. He said: “I didn’t look at it too much. It hurt my experience on the pitch. It changed the game completely. You have to play 10 minutes with 10 men.”
