Manager meltdowns on the touchline will soon become a thing of the past if the International FA Board (IFAB) have their way.
The lawmakers of association football have announced the introduction of yellow and red cards for managers, with the changes being piloted in the upcoming EFL season along with all cup competitions in England. Referees will now have the option of brandishing cards for a range of touchline offences, with suspensions and further sanctions being taken for repeat offenders in a similar way to how players are disciplined.
Backroom staff will also be reigned in by the new scheme which allows referees to brandish a yellow card to an entire bench for unruly behaviour, with a second yellow forcing the manager to the stands. This is an interesting twist which opens up the possibility of number 2's costing their number 1's by falling foul of the referee (making Rui Faria's recent exit from Jose Mourinho's backroom team a real shame).
While the sanctions are designed to keep gaffers in check, they are likely to become an added spectacle to the drama inside the stadium. Here are some examples of what might cause a manager to get carded in the upcoming season:
Foul or abusive language to match officials or an opponent
Currently out of football since leaving West Brom before their relegation last season, Alan Pardew may be wise to spend his time away fine-tuning some of his manners. Here is a clip of then 52-year-old Pardew calling then 60-year-old Manuel Pellegrini a "fucking old cunt."
Kicking water bottles and other equipment
We may never see Arsene Wenger on a touchline again, but we'll always have the memories. His most famous assault of a water bottle led to the memorable image of him climbing into the Old Trafford stand as he was warmly greeted by an adoring home crowd.
Sarcastic clapping
Since arriving in England, Pep Guardiola has supplemented his attractive playing style with an edgy sarcasm in front of the media and match officials when things are not to his liking. It will be interesting to see if the prospect of a yellow card will keep him quiet.
Entering opponents technical area
When one manager enters another manager's technical area, its rarely in good nature. The new sanctions mean that stepping into the opposing area might pick you up a yellow, or possibly worse if you decide to throw hands in the process.
Loafing opposition players
The only thing funnier than seeing a manager attempt a headbutt on an opposition player, would be the referee having to brandish a red card following the offence. Bring back Pardew please...
