Former Premier League referee Howard Webb has revealed to BT Sport that players have previously asked to be booked during the Christmas period, in an attempt to avoid playing games.
He admitted that it is “not something fans will want to hear” but has seemingly thought it was something that should be known publicly, whilst talking ahead of a night of Champions League football last night.
As fixtures are played on Boxing Day, it means that many players are forced to only spend just a short time with their families on Christmas Day, with training and travelling in the afternoon/evening before the big clashes on the 26th December.
Speaking on BT Sport, the former referee said: “A couple of times around about Christmas time in the Premier League players will want the time off.
“They will say a yellow card might suit my purpose. It’s not what fans want to hear really.”
Understandably, there are a lot of questions surrounding the subject – is it something the Football Association should investigate?
Twitter: How much do #PL players want time off at Christmas? Some have even asked @HowardMWebb for a booking. #UCL https://t.co/K0c2aRRjJv (@btsportfootball)
Twitter: @btsportfootball @HowardMWebb If players ask for a yellow card, they should get fined and banned for a long time!! @FA should investigate (@MUFC_HP)
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