Collina backs UEFA's 'white card' sin-ban idea

Portugal :  UEFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina has thrown his support behind the idea of implementing sin bins as a form of punishment to help curtail player's simulation and over-zealous protesting of refereeing decisions.

Speaking at the 'Football Talks 2015' conference in Estoril, Portugal, the former World Cup final referee who is now UEFA's chief refereeing officer said the idea of punishing players with an enforced break on the sidelines, already popular in many sports including rugby and ice hockey, was one that was being considered by European football's governing body.

  In October, UEFA President Michel Platini proposed in his book 'Parlons Football' that 'white cards' could be given to players who dive to earn a foul or argue too profusely with the referee, leading to an expulsion from the match for a limited period of time rather than the current yellow and red card system.

Collina said the idea of sin bins could send a message to players that simulation or arguing with the referee was unacceptable.  "It is important to give a message," said Collina.

"I don't think it is a positive message to have a simulation on the field of play, I don't think it is a positive message to have players always complaining, protesting against referees' decision.

"So the message that should be given is more correctness on the field of play and maybe a sin bin like five, seven, ten -- I don't know how long minutes could be an answer."