Revolutionary blue card set to be introduced to football

Sin bins have already had a successful implementation in the lower levels of football since 2019-20, with players ordered to leave the field for 10 minutes if they show disrespect to an official.

Now, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) is going to announce the introduction of a new blue card as part of trials of sin bins in professional football.

Football's lawmakers announced in November measures to improve player behaviour and increase respect for match officials, which included temporary dismissals for dissent and specific tactical offences.

The new trial for higher-level football, which is expected to last at least 12 months, will include situations where a player deliberately takes out an opponent in an attacking situation when a red card isn't warranted.

One such example was Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini's dragging back England's Bukayo Saka by the scruff of his neck in the final of Euro 2020.

Grassroots football in England, which has a particular problem with referee abuse from players, has been using the yellow card to indicate the offence across 31 leagues since the 2019-20 season. 

The IFAB wanted a different colour to be distinct to players, coaches and supporters, and has chosen blue.