Date:         Sat, 13 Jan 2001 16:48:25 +1100
Reply-To:     Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
Sender:       Discussion of Topics for Soccer Referees <[log in to unmask]>
From:         David Bradshaw <[log in to unmask]>
Subject:      Re: Touching players
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From: <[log in to unmask]>
> I grabbed players by the hair, by the neck,
> by the torso,... I shoved players away (even in
> televised games) I sat on players who were
> fighting to shorten their boxing and wrestling bout.

I really don't know if the above is such a great idea. This is soccer, not
ice hockey. Officials have no specific authority under the LOTG to
physically intervene to break-up an altercation.

I don't know the situation in other parts of the world, but here we are
advised to keep out of the melee and observe to determine what action will
be taken later. Any control of the situation should be done in a
non-physical manner, eg by directing players away from the melee, using the
whistle (appropriately) etc.

Anyway, that's the advice I would pass along to others.

Cheers, David.