Gareth Southgate and England stars warned of major UEFA Euro 2024 crackdown

England manager Gareth Southgate has been warned by UEFA that they will be adopting a rigorous approach to discipline at this summer's Euros.

UEFA are solid on their decision to prevent any dissent towards referees, including crowding officials, and promoting respect during matches. Southgate was informed, along with the other national managers at a UEFA meeting in Dusseldorf, that the tournament will also use semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) during the summer.

Roberto Rosetti, UEFA's managing director of refereeing told the coaches: «We have exactly the same job as you as we prepare to select our team. We are in the process of selecting our referees, and the best referees will be selected, with no other condition.

»Unacceptable players' behaviour is a problem for officials. The players are following you and if you are calm, your players are more calm.

«We want to avoid unnecessary cards and protect the image of the game, so we will be strong with mobbing and clear dissent. This is about protecting the image of the game and a positive legacy for future generations.

»We have to do something and we need you because you are super important for us." Rosetti also presented UEFA's SAOT and goal-line technology plans which shall use a microchip inserted in the ball, in a bid to accelerate decisions.

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UEFA claims it is committed to reducing the over-reliance on VAR, with an emphasis on referees making key decisions on the pitch. The last Euros saw just 18 VAR corrections across 51 matches.

Rosetti emphasised: «We want referees with strong personalities to take decisions on the pitch. We want to use our VARs only when there is evidence of