The Rational Ref | Club leaders must show the way

Apart from referees, soccer's numerous supervisors, superiors, seniors and stalwarts also set standards on the field of play. This means players, and to some extent supporters, look up to their team captains and managers for leadership regarding matters of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour.

Referees understand this, and sometimes will cleverly use these club authority figures to help manage problematic players. For instance, it's normal to see referees explaining to team captains about any misdemeanours caused by their players with the aim that those individuals will buck up their ideas way before the referee has to dish out cards. Providing captains and coaches are in tune with these messages then this style of player management usually works fine.

Occasionally, when players and their captains refuse to listen, it's necessary for referees to send out a stronger message. During the Manchester United-Arsenal clash last month Tom Cleverley and Jack Wilshere were two youngsters fully committed to the big match with both eager to impress their supporters, teammates and managers. As the match progressed, their youthful enthusiasm began to override their soccer faculties and both received cautions for overzealous tackling.

Alex Ferguson clearly saw the message issued by referee Mike Dean and promptly replaced Cleverley. Surprisingly, Arsene Wenger ignored the warning signal and kept Wilshere on the pitch. Due to a lack of guidance from experienced heads, Wilshere's combative streak was not reined in. He then received a second yellow for another bad tackle and was dismissed.

In substituting Cleverley, Ferguson was shrewd and proactive. Similarly, coaches and captains who are proactive can help stop disgraceful player antics such as shameful dives, trite retaliations and dreadful acting.

At the Club World Cup in Yokohama last Sunday, Corinthians midfielder Emerson rolled around excessively at every opportunity. Drama queens such as Emerson act like victims but in truth, nine times out of 10, they are the aggressors who provoke player retaliations. Unfortunately, match officials who are not alert to this will see only the retaliatory action, as Chelsea's Gary Cahill discovered to his detriment when Turkish referee Cüneyt Cakır sent him off for kicking Emerson.

Corinthians coach Tite and captain Alessandro were not interested in stopping Emerson's theatrics because this behaviour is accepted in certain countries, even though it goes against the spirit of fair play.