Premier League players and managers must follow strict new rules

Premier League players and managers will have to contend with harsher punishments for behaviour towards referees in the upcoming 2023/24 campaign.

Ahead of the new season, a "participant charter" has been launched by the Football Association, in partnership with League Managers Association and Professional Footballers' Association.

All the relevant authorities from the Premier League, English Football League, Women's Super League, Women's Championship, National League System (Steps 1-4) are all onboard, as are referees' governing body PGMOL.

The charter bids to improve behaviour of players, managers, coaches and fans - as those found guilty of tragedy chanting will "face stadium bans and potential criminal prosecution".

A plethora of new policies have been introduced. For starters, managers must attend a pre-match briefing before every game and only one person is allowed to stand at the front of the technical area during the game.

Newcastle assistant Jason Tindall might be tad disappointed but a second person can stand, although they must be "very close to the technical area seating" and dialogue must happen close to that same space.

In addition, players and managers have been told they "must not confront, invade the personal space of, or make physical contact with the match officials" following on from 20 fines totalling £1 million for Premier League sides last term.

All occupants are prohibited from entering the pitch to confront any match official at half-time or full-time, with anyone not named on the teamsheet not allowed to be in the technical area.

Referees are "empowered to take a robust approach" and show yellow and red cards for where conduct falls below the expected standards.

They are also encouraged to submit reports to the FA if further disciplinary action is necessary.

two or more players surrounding a match official in a confrontational manner will result in a yellow card and be reported to the Football Association".

A key rule players must become accustomed to is the fact that "two or more players surrounding a match official in a confrontational manner" will be cautioned and reported to the FA, while they "must not instigate or escalate a mass confrontation with opposing players and/or technical area occupants".

Reacting to the changes, Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League, commented: “Football has an incredible power to inspire people of all ages, and the professional game sets an example to all those who play and watch the sport.

“We want players, managers and fans to continue showing their passion, but these new measures have been introduced to ensure that the line is not crossed when it comes to on-field and technical area behaviour.

“We also strongly believe there is no room for abhorrent tragedy abuse in football. Along with our clubs and the authorities, we are committed to sanctioning those found guilty and will also focus on educating fans of all ages so they understand why this abuse is so hurtful and unacceptable.”

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Premier League, EFL Championship

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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