Football-Referees call for improved conduct on the pitch |27 January 2009

Referees’ coordinator Eddie Maillet told Sports Nation in an interview recently that “overall the players’ conduct was quite good in 2008, but players should work on improving their behaviour when they are on the pitch this season.”

Last year, referees brandished a total of 634 yellow cards in 596 matches played in all competitions – Airtel Cup, Barclays League Division One, Barclays League Division Two, Barclays League Division Three, Central League, Youth Under 18 League, Youth Under 18 Knockout, Under 15 League, Under 13 League, Women’s League, Women’s Knockout competition, Girls’ School League and Land Marine Cup – organised by the Seychelles Football Federation.

Although the figure shows an increase from the 596 yellow cards referees dished out in 2007, it is much lower than the previous totals of 750 (in 2005) and 781 (in 2006).

In 2008, the men in black showed 66 red cards, 10 more than the total recorded in 2007. Again, last year’s number of red cards was less than the totals of 121 (in 2005) and 81 (in 2006).

The highest number of red cards – 20 – was given to players in the Central League. The first division followed with 17 and the second division recorded 15.

The total of 17 red cards is the lowest in four years in the top flight, which registered 40 in 2005, 34 in 2006 and 22 in 2007.

Meanwhile, local referees and assistant referees have already started their physical and theoretical preparation for the new season, which promises to be exciting and full of surprises.

All those who wish to take up a career as referee or assistant referee are asked to contact Mr Maillet on 601160 during office hours.

G. G.