SFA calls on players to stop kicking ball out

THE SFA today called on players to stop kicking the ball out of play when team-mates or opponents are injured.

The practice of kicking the ball out to allow injured players to receive treatment has grown in recent years but it has also led to arguments both on the touchline and on the pitch. Only three weeks ago Hearts assistant coach John McGlynn and Celtic manager Gordon Strachan were sent to the stand at Tynecastle as they rowed over whether the ball should have been put out of play as Gorgie star Julien Brellier lay hurt.

Today SFA chief executive David Taylor said: "It is for the match referee to decide whether a break in play is necessary for treatment to be given to injured players.

"The referee controls the match and allows play to continue until the ball is out of play if a player is, in his opinion, only slightly injured.

"The referee will stop the match if, in his opinion, a player may be seriously injured. Whilst a referee cannot dictate what a player can or cannot do with the ball, the practice of deliberately kick the ball out of play to secure attention for an injured player is unnecessary.

"Frequent instances of this practice can disrupt the flow of a game and can even be used as a tactical ploy.

"This can create disagreements and tensions, particularly regarding whether, and in what manner, the ball is returned to play.

"The SFA is therefore encouraging clubs to make their coaching and playing staff aware of the role and responsibilities of the match referee in order to remove any possible confusion about where responsibility lies for the treatment of injured players."

Taken from the Scotsman