What Needs to Change in Football?

Earlier this week, UEFA chief Michel Platini called for the introduction of the 'sin bin' instead of the standard 'yellow card'. But the question is, does it warrant a change or not?

"Football is a unique sport"

Personally, I don't think it should change. Firstly, the change, and along with the introduction of goal line technology, could lead to the game becoming more like rugby. Football is a unique sport and I firmly believe that the governing bodies should not do anything to harm that.

Modern day football sees referees dishing out cautions left, right and centre on debatable grounds. Tuesday and Wednesday saw 32 yellows handed out, an average of 3.2 cards per game. That is 32 players spending 10/15 minutes in the bin, which will unquestionably, ruin the spectacle for the on looking supporters.

"It could lead to a waning of the physical nature of our beautiful game"

I am under no doubt that if this rule was introduced then we would witness a drastic decrease in cards given out. While people argue that more severe punishments will stamp out the amount of fouls, it could lead to a waning of the physical nature of our beautiful game as more and more people are unwilling to go to ground and challenge for the ball.

Although I disagree with introduction of a sin bin system, the installation of the goal line technology was a revelation. For too long, officials have been placed in the awkward position in which they have to make a blind decision without seeing the whole picture, something for which I do not blame them. Most notably was Roy Carroll's howler against Spurs and Frank Lampard's thunderbolt that rattled the cross bar which were deemed to have not crossed the line much to the disbelief of the fans. Goal line technology takes a lot of pressure off the referees who already have enough major decisions to make.

"We would end up watching a five aside game if it was"

Having been a massive rugby fan for most of my life, I admire the decisive nature of the referees who take no nonsense from the players on the field. Towards the end of last season, Dylan Hartley was sent off for 'abusive language' at referee Wayne Barnes. I'm not suggesting that this should be replicated in rugby, as we would end up watching a five aside game if it was, but if referees stamped down on back chat, then UEFA would see huge advances in their 'Respect' campaign.

As you can probably tell, I am against Platini's suggestion. However I do believe there are some aspects that do need to change and I firmly stand by the mantra, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.