Nigel Owens calls for change in referees' behaviour

SPOTLIGHT: World-renowned referee Nigel Owens has pinpointed a major flaw regarding the modern-day referees.

Owens revealed that officials are far too talkative with players during the matches.

Writing in his latest column for the Telegraph, Owens admitted it is part of reason for the growing dissent from players towards officials.

Focusing on areas where referees can improve ahead of the 2023 World Cup in France, Owens wrote referees need to balance enforcing the laws with empathy, while there also needs to be a clearer directive with foul play, mitigation and red cards.

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“An area that needs to be addressed, and it is not a major issue yet but has been creeping in over recent months, is the amount referees talk to players," Owens admitted.

“There is a time for communication and there needs to be a balance.

"But the more you talk in a game, the more you open yourself up to have a two-way conversation, and players feel they can talk to you about anything.

“We are seeing more of referees going ‘don’t do that, mate’, which makes players feel: ‘I am speaking to my mate here, I can say whatever I want'. I would like to see less of that, and it’s why a hint of dissent has come into the game recently.

“Communication is important, but it does not have to be constant. Less is often more. There is no need for a debate on the field.”

Source: Telegraph & The Ruck