Pochettino Leads Chelsea Blue Cards Backlash as Premier League Bosses Reach Agreement
This article contains affiliate links, and we will receive a commission from any generated sales. Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino recently discussed the potential introduction of blue cards in football.
He expressed his concerns, stating that he believes it is not a good idea, as it would further complicate the game. Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino, among other Premier League head coaches, have voiced their opposition to the idea of blue cards being implemented in football.
This proposed change, approved for trial by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), could see players spending 10 minutes in the sin bin. Detailed protocols for the trials are soon to be published, and reports suggest that the new rule may include blue cards.
Trials for blue cards have already taken place in amateur and youth football in England and Wales. IFAB is expected to approve an extended trial for senior levels of football at their annual meeting on March 2.
Despite this potential introduction, FIFA has downplayed the suggestion that top-flight football will be included in the trial. However, the FA Cup could be involved, marking one of the most significant changes to football since the introduction of red and yellow cards in 1970.
This has led to the speculation that Premier League referees may one day be issuing blue cards to players. Other coaches such as Jurgen Klopp, Eddie Howe, and Ange Postecoglou expressed their reservations about the potential change.
Jurgen Klopp felt that the introduction of blue cards would make the game more complicated and suggested keeping the rules as simple as possible. Meanwhile, Eddie Howe expressed his preference for the current system and believed it only needs to be optimized, rather than adding further confusion with a new card.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou shared similar sentiments, questioning the need for new changes and expressing concern about cluttering the game further. He mentioned the impact of VAR and the potential consequences of adding another card to the game.
Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola also shared their views. Arteta expressed uncertainty about the readiness for this change, while Guardiola declined to comment until the trial is confirmed by IFAB.
