Meier against Blitz-Gelb-Red: ‘Play more honestly again and don’t make such a fuss’

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There were five red cards in the Super League this weekend. Two expulsions in particular caused discussion. Blick expert and former referee Urs Meier (65) examines the scenes.

YB’s Blum was sent off in the 74th minute against Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy, but only after VAR intervened. The right decision for Meier. “Blum was the last man standing, Gharbi could have left alone,” he says. And instead sees another point of criticism. He believes that the referee team around Esther Staubli should have assessed the situation properly without VAR, because the assistants looked sideways.

“A completely natural movement”

However, Meier considers the expulsion of ranking player Abels as a wrong decision. Against FC Basel he received a yellow card in the 75th and 77th minute. He still considers the first warning justified. Meier has less understanding for the second. It is normal these days for the game to continue despite Barisic’s grip. Abels then wants to sprint and punches his opponent in the face. “This is a completely natural movement and not intentional for me,” says Meier. That’s why it’s not a yellow card for him.

Barisic’s reaction rather irritates him. He immediately grabs his face, falls on the grass and makes a huge fuss. “It is common nowadays for people to want to provoke such a card,” says Meier. He expects the referees to be better at differentiating – and also holds the players accountable. “I appeal to the players: play more honestly again and don’t make such a fuss when you get a light slap in the face.” After all, football is still a sport with physical contact. (beer)

Source : Blick