Red Card on cough! FA issues new health guidelines amid COVID-19

England’s Football Association (FA) has issued new guidelines in wake of the novel pandemic, under which, coughing on opponents or referees, could result in a yellow or red card.

According to the media reports, the new guidelines are in place immediately and be applied at all levels of the game.

The document issued in this regard stated that action should be taken when “the referee is certain someone deliberately, and from close range, coughed into the face of an opponent or match official”

It added that the offense would fall under the category of “using offensive, insulting or abusive language and/or gestures”.

“If the incident was not severe enough to merit a sending-off, caution could be issued for ‘unsporting behavior – shows a lack of respect for the game’.”

The document further added that the referees must not look to punish “routine” coughing and should remind players to avoid spitting on the ground, although it is not an act of misconduct.

Earlier English Club Liverpool lifted Premier League trophy, after beating Chelsea with 5-3, their first ever win in 30 years.Jordan Henderson received the trophy from Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish on a special podium built on the Kop after Jurgen Klopp’s side made it three full unbeaten Premier League seasons at Anfield.

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Kenny Dalglish, the last Liverpool manager to deliver the title, presented the medals wearing a red face mask before handing the trophy to captain Jordan Henderson who raised it to the night sky like fireworks and ticker tape filled the air.

Jürgen Klopp’s side ended a 30-year wait for top-flight success in scintillating style, becoming the first team to claim this prestigious honour with more than five games to spare.

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