ENGLAND captain Steven Gerrard said yesterday that Fabio Capello has given them strict instructions not to swear at referees.
ENGLAND captain Steven Gerrard said yesterday that Fabio Capello has given them strict instructions not to swear at referees.
Wayne Rooney was shown a yellow card in Monday's training game against Platinum Stars after having apparently sworn at the referee, while all referees have been given lists of 20 English swear words so they can know when they are being abused.
But Gerrard insisted England will not fall foul of the ban on cursing, despite the perception that swearing is prevalent in the Premier League.
"Every player has been warned by Capello and the coaching staff about the importance of staying on the pitch," Gerrard said.
"We've been into tournaments where we have lost important players and we know how important it is that we stay on the pitch.
"It's important to show the referees some respect. You don't use any language because you'll be booked and the whole team suffers. If we go a man or two men down we have a problem."
There are particular fears that Rooney could be targeted, given his reputation for having a short fuse.
Gerrard said: "Wayne's experienced enough now to deal with it. He understands we need him on the pitch and every player has been warned by the manager and coaching staff."
The Brazilians officiating at England's opener against the US tomorrow are among those who have have taken a crash course in English expletives. Referee Carlos Simon and his two assistants have received a list of 20 English curses and are prepared for any outbursts.
The referees plan to listen carefully to Rooney during his first match.
"We've got to learn which words the players use. All players curse, we know that," said Altemir Hausmann, one of Simon's assistants. - Sapa-DPA
l See Pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11 in our supplement Let's Go 2010 inside today.
BRITS TOLD TO HOU BEK
ENGLAND captain Steven Gerrard said yesterday that Fabio Capello has given them strict instructions not to swear at referees.
ENGLAND captain Steven Gerrard said yesterday that Fabio Capello has given them strict instructions not to swear at referees.
Wayne Rooney was shown a yellow card in Monday's training game against Platinum Stars after having apparently sworn at the referee, while all referees have been given lists of 20 English swear words so they can know when they are being abused.
But Gerrard insisted England will not fall foul of the ban on cursing, despite the perception that swearing is prevalent in the Premier League.
"Every player has been warned by Capello and the coaching staff about the importance of staying on the pitch," Gerrard said.
"We've been into tournaments where we have lost important players and we know how important it is that we stay on the pitch.
"It's important to show the referees some respect. You don't use any language because you'll be booked and the whole team suffers. If we go a man or two men down we have a problem."
There are particular fears that Rooney could be targeted, given his reputation for having a short fuse.
Gerrard said: "Wayne's experienced enough now to deal with it. He understands we need him on the pitch and every player has been warned by the manager and coaching staff."
The Brazilians officiating at England's opener against the US tomorrow are among those who have have taken a crash course in English expletives. Referee Carlos Simon and his two assistants have received a list of 20 English curses and are prepared for any outbursts.
The referees plan to listen carefully to Rooney during his first match.
"We've got to learn which words the players use. All players curse, we know that," said Altemir Hausmann, one of Simon's assistants. - Sapa-DPA
l See Pages 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10 and 11 in our supplement Let's Go 2010 inside today.