ENGLAND will have to be on their best behaviour against Denmark if they want to avoid a confrontation with the referee.
Artur Soares Dias is set to take charge of the clash in Dusseldorf.
He is a referee England know well, having taken charge of the Three Lions’ 1-0 defeat to Brazil in March.
The match official came under scrutiny as he failed to sufficiently sanction Brazil for their aggressive approach, with Dorival Jr’s side committing 19 fouls.
Jude Bellingham was particularly targeted by the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes, with the former receiving a yellow card.
England assistant boss Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink objected to Brazil’s style of play and decided to take matters into his own hands at half-time.
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The former Chelsea star confronted ref Dias in the tunnel about the persistent fouling, which the Portuguese deemed unworthy of a caution.
Hasselbaink will have to be on his best behaviour on the touchline in Dusseldorf as coaching staff have been warned about their behaviour towards officials.
Referees have not hesistated to book those who have stepped out of line at the Euros so far, as part of a clamp down on dissent.
Only captains are allowed to speak to referees about their decisions too, and if players surround the match official they will be booked.
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Artur Soares Dias should have no problems in dealing with England and Denmark’s players because he’s a decent and experienced referee.
But one man who will not be looking forward to seeing the Portuguese official is Three Lions coach Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
The pair had a bust-up in the Wembley tunnel at half-time of England’s friendly defeat with Brazil in March with Hasselbaink unhappy over the constant fouling on Jude Bellingham.
But Hasselbaink will need to be on his best behaviour in Frankfurt tonight because refs in this tournament aren’t taking any messing about from the technical area.
It’s something for England boss Gareth Southgate to keep an eye on.
The dugouts of Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary have already received yellow cards for their actions and Dias may not be so lenient if there is more complaining from the sidelines this time.
Dias has been a Fifa ref since 2010 and knows both sets of players well as he is a Champions League regular. He officiated the Netherlands’ 2-1 opening win over Poland and his one caution highlights he is not fussy if players follow the laws.
Referee Dias has plenty of big game experience having been a VAR during the 2018 World Cup and in the middle for Euro 2020.
He has bee a ref since 2010 and on the elite list since 2016, taking charge of multiple matches in the Champions League and other top competitions.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
