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The politics of World Cup-watching
By Peter Feuilherade
BBC Monitoring

Some broadcasters have been priced out of the World Cup

A cumulative audience of more than 32 billion viewers around the world are expected to have watched the 64 World Cup matches on TV or other media by the time the final is played on Sunday 9 July.

In a few countries, people are looking forward to watching the contest on television for the first time.

The politics behind securing access to the broadcasts, and the difficulties people in some countries face in watching them, closely follow some of the world's current geopolitical fault lines.

In North Korea, state TV began broadcasting World Cup matches supplied by satellite free of charge by South Korea three days after the opening game.

The broadcasts screened in the North were reportedly pre-recorded and edited versions, broadcast terrestrially and were expected to include games involving South Korea, who played their opening game against Togo on 13 June.

In Afghanistan, television broadcasts were banned during Taleban rule from 1996-2001. But this year several Afghan TV stations were planning to screen World Cup matches live


"Now that North Koreans can watch the South Koreans in the tournament, we hope it will contribute to recovering our identity as one people," said a statement by the (South) Korean Central Broadcasting Commission.

The deal has the approval of FIFA and the Switzerland-based Infront Sport and Media, FIFA's business representative for the sales of broadcast rights.

Although the South and the North remain technically at war since the 1950-1953 conflict in the Korean peninsula, relations have improved since a summit their leaders held in 2000.

During the 2002 World Cup staged in South Korea and Japan, Seoul sent videotapes to North Korea a day or two after the games, and during the 2004 Athens Olympics it offered the North a live feed of major events.

'Political move'

In Indonesia, meanwhile, former President Suharto's daughter Titiek appeared on private television channel SCTV on World Cup opening night as a football pundit and presenter of the Germany-Costa Rica game, prompting complaints that the Suharto clan was hijacking the world's biggest sporting event to polish up its tarnished image.

"Technically speaking, she is not someone who knows a lot about football," said Ade Armando of the Indonesian Broadcasting Commission, adding that the move was politically provocative.

Nor was Titiek's on-screen appearance likely to attract many viewers, he ventured.

A spokesman for SCTV defended Titiek's appearance, saying it was meant to expand the channel's audience.

"As for Titiek, she has to improve her skill as a presenter," he conceded.

Bleak prospects

In Afghanistan, television broadcasts were banned during Taleban rule from 1996-2001. But this year several Afghan TV stations were planning to screen World Cup matches live.


All corners of the world are focused on footballing events in Germany

The Taleban not only banned television but initially outlawed football.

Later they lifted the ban, but insisted that players' arms and legs were covered, ordered them to stop for prayers during matches, and banned supporters from cheering.

An official of Tolo TV, Afghanistan's leading private channel, told China's official news agency Xinhua that his station, as well as national Afghan TV and another commercial channel, would show some key matches live.

In the capital of Somalia, the advent to power of an Islamist militia early in June evoked echoes of the Taleban's arrival in Kabul in 1996. The prospects for football fans wanting to watch the World Cup in the capital looked bleak.

In Morocco, King Mohammed VI has intervened personally to make sure the games are made available on state television.


Residents in Mogadishu complained that the militia that seized control of most of the city from rival warlords earlier this month were preventing civilians from seeing television pictures of the World Cup.

The residents said Islamist militiamen had been forcing makeshift public cinemas planning to show satellite TV footage of the matches to close down.

The BBC's Africa editor David Bamford says the World Cup screenings were not necessarily the main target of the militia's wrath.

"It's not clear whether the new Islamist rulers in the city have a problem with people watching football.

"Their spokesman, Sheikh Abdulkadir Ali Omar, indicated to the BBC that it's the cinemas that are being targeted because they also showed Western and Indian films that the Islamists say are corrupting the youth," Bamford said.

On 12 June, AFP news agency reported that two people had been killed as gunmen, reportedly allied to the Joint Islamic Courts, forced three cinemas to shut and warned football fans against watching the matches which were being relayed via satellite.

Priced out

On a lighter note, as South Korea and Togo took to the field in Frankfurt for their Group G opener on Tuesday afternoon, the debacle over Togo's coach Otto Pfister - who quit the team only to change his mind and appear on the bench for their opening game - was overtaken by a public relations faux pas.

Togo's national anthem was mistaken for South Korea's, and the South's anthem was played twice before embarrassed FIFA organisers belatedly found the right tune.

In several Middle East countries, this will be the first World Cup that most football fans will not be able to watch free on national television channels.

The pan-Arab pay-TV broadcaster Arab Radio and Television (ART) has bought the rights to the games in the Middle East and North Africa.

But its channels can only be accessed through a special decoder costing between US$130-400 - beyond the reach of the average viewer.

Many Arab governments have taken steps to ensure that their poorer citizens still have access to World Cup matches.

"Governments are scrambling as if it's an issue of national security," said a report from the Associated Press.

In Morocco, King Mohammed VI has intervened personally to make sure the games are made available on state television. In Egypt and Jordan, the authorities are arranging for large communal TV screens to be set up in public places.

In Africa's poorest countries, national budgets do not stretch far enough to pay for TV access, BBC correspondents note. But many fans will be able to watch the games on satellite TV in cafes and restaurants instead.

Another option for impoverished World Cup fans is to access the TV signals illegally - although many expert satellite pirates have reportedly been unable to decode the World Cup signal.

Should the hackers succeed, analysts say the total losses due to signal piracy in the developing world could run into hundreds of millions of dollars.

Rooting for Brazil in Calcutta
By Sanjoy Majumder
BBC News, Calcutta



Football fever has struck Calcutta
In a bustling street in the heart of the Indian city of Calcutta, a group of boys are hard at work.

Eyes screwed tight in concentration, shoulders hunched, two boys hold a giant makeshift ladder as their friend carefully places names over a row of brightly-coloured cardboard flags.

Brazil, Argentina, England, Germany... the names of the 32 participating nations of the World Cup stand out proudly from a wrought-iron balcony on the second-storey of a crumbling apartment building.

On the next street, a painter puts finishing touches on a giant mural featuring top football stars.

As a crowd looks on in anticipation, a group of young boys, their faces painted with the colours of the Brazilian flag, break out in a chant.
"Braaziil, Braaziil," they scream, egged on by the crowd. Football fever has struck Calcutta.

The Brazilians are artists, they are so skilful
Sishir Lal Banerjee, 65


Indians love Brazil legend
A carnival atmosphere has enveloped the city of 10 million, which is India's football capital. While most Indians prefer to watch the national cricket team in action, people here are passionate about football.

"It is a game for the masses," says Raja Sen, a teenager who plans to watch each and every World Cup match. "This city has a footballing culture - on any day, you can see groups of boys playing football in the streets or in the parks."

Rooting for Brazil

The biggest public space in the city is the sprawling Maidan - a vast, green openness often described as the city's lungs. A busy street market takes up one corner. It is here that the city's football fans come to stock up.


The green and gold colours of Brazil stand out in the crowd

And although the market is awash with flags and t-shirts of all the participating teams, it is the green and gold colours of the Brazilian team that are the hot favourites.

"You'll have to come tomorrow," says one shopkeeper to a disappointed young fan. "I'm out of medium Brazil shirts - only extra-large available."

India is not participating in the World Cup - but there is little doubt that everyone here is backing the South American nation. "The Brazilians are artists, they are so skilful," says Sishir Lal Banerjee, 65. Mr Banerjee has been a Brazil fan for the past 40 years. His most enduring moment was when he watched Brazilian football legend Pele play an exhibition match in Calcutta in the mid-70s.

Street football

Like in Brazil, the game is most popular among the city's poor children.


I dream of becoming a professional footballer Abhijit, 16

Sixteen-year-old Abhijit lives in one of the city's many slums and has been playing the game since he was six. "I love the game," he says simply as he takes off his boots before entering the one-room home that he shares with his parents and brother. "I dream of becoming a professional footballer," he says.

But the game has little support in the country. Abhijit and his friends play every evening in a run-down neighbourhood park.

Sao Paulo to Calcutta

Help is at hand, however, for some of Calcutta's football hopefuls.


Romario believes there is plenty of talent in India
Brazilian coach Romario has travelled all the way from Sao Paulo to Calcutta where he runs a football clinic.

Under his watchful eye, a group of boys train hard, as he cajoles, scolds and encourages them. "They are talented," he says with a smile, "but need encouragement." "Back home in Brazil, we are born with a football. All of us spend all our time playing the game and the whole country is passionate about the sport.

"Here people are passionate about cricket."

It is perhaps part of the reason why India is ranked a lowly 118 in world football. No Indian team has ever played in a World Cup.

Every evening, Abhijit and his friends gather in front of a television set placed on the street-corner to catch live World Cup action. They cheer at every move before breaking into a frenzied dance as the first goal is scored.

"Some-day I hope it'll be India that I'll be cheering," says one of the boys.

"Then we'll stop supporting Brazil."

BTW: It's awesome so many old posters have found their way back. We have representation from just about all the favorite teams and then some--it's a great atmosphere. Grazie!

I wish Grami, Zeke, Raul, Red, Matt would also come back; nameus?

This WC defintely has a different feel and not just because there have been few controversial plays.

FORZA

naemus, now there's a blast from the past!!

nameus

he was here a bit ago to weigh in on the calcio scandal but hasn't returned

When World Cup's on, the only religion is soccer

By Zaid Sabah, USA TODAY

From left: Omar Hussein (on couch); Dherar Mostafa al-Taee, Mohammed Hassan, Ammar Ahmad, Hassan al-Taee and Ahmad Baban watch Monday?s World Cup match between the United States and the Czech Republic.

By Zaid Sabah, USA TODAY
BAGHDAD — In the guest room of Dherar Mostafa al-Taee's house earlier this week, a group of Iraqi friends sit in a circle around the television, setting up an Iraqi local channel that broadcasts World Cup soccer games.
The yelling and cheering starts the moment the referee blows the whistle to kick off the game between the USA and the Czech Republic.

Iraqis are soccer crazed. "He who plays soccer loves soccer," says Ammar Ahmad, 21 explaining why Iraqis are big fans. "Most Iraqi people play soccer in the streets, soccer fields and even inside their backyards."

Iraq's national football team failed to qualify for this year's World Cup, but that has not stopped Iraqis' interest.

"We meet daily to watch the games, and everyone supports his favorite team," says Ahmad Baban, 20, a fan of Brazil.

The South American team favored to win the Cup is especially popular in Iraq because Brazil's style of play is similar to Iraq's national team, according to some Iraqi fans.

Brazilian players are "ball magicians, and they give you the excitement you need in the football games," Baban says.

Local channels air games, but they are pirated broadcasts and of poor quality. Since the collapse of Saddam Hussein's regime, satellite television is also available. Ahmad said he spent $280 on a satellite package that allows him to watch the games at home legally.

Because of the ongoing violence, most Iraqis watch the games from the safety of their homes.

"Before 2003, we would watch in the cafes and tea houses," Baban says.

"Now the situation has changed, and we can't leave our homes after 9 p.m." because of the curfew, he says.

"Watching the game with friends is much more enthusiastic and exciting than watching it alone," he says.

At this week's party at al-Taee's house, only one guest was rooting for the Czech Republic, which won 3-0. Others were pulling for the USA, even those who don't agree with U.S. policy in Iraq.

"Today, I'm supporting the United States and so are some of my friends," says al-Taee, 24, shouting when U.S. captain Claudio Reyna's kick bounces off the Czech goal post.

"Politics has nothing to do with sport," he says. "Those players represent the American people, not the U.S. administration."

A mixed group of a dozen Sunni and Shiite Muslims attended al-Taee's party, despite the ongoing sectarian tensions between the two groups in recent months.

"We are Sunnis and Shiites here, but everybody speaks football," al-Taee says.

Fans lose trousers to gain entry
By Harry Peart
BBC sports correspondent, Berlin

Hundreds in the crowd were in their underpants
Football's governing body has explained why up to 1,000 Dutch fans watched a World Cup tie wearing no trousers.

Around 1,000 fans arrived for the Ivory Coast tie in their traditional bright orange trousers - but bearing the logo and name of a Dutch brewery.

To protect the rights of the official beer they were denied entry, so the male fans promptly removed the trousers and watched the game in underpants.

Fifa said an attempt at an "ambush" publicity campaign was not allowed.

Fifteen major companies have paid up to $50m (£27m) each for the right to be official partners at this World Cup.

The American firm Anheuser Busch, which makes Budweiser, won the exclusive right to promote and sell its beverage in the stadiums and other venues.

There has been a wider resentment in Germany that a US brewery has the exclusive rights in a country which prides itself on the quality of its beer and has very strict laws governing its composition.

Johnson ready for a battle against Italy
Wed 14 Jun, 8:21 PM

By Erik Kirschbaum

HAMBURG, June 14 (Reuters) - For American striker Eddie Johnson, the U.S. match against Italy on Saturday is more than just another soccer game.

"It's like the World Cup, we're here for war," Johnson told reporters on Wednesday before Saturday's Group E match.

The U.S. need at least a point to have a chance of advancing after crashing 3-0 to the Czech Republic in their opener. "We came here to battle for our country."

He related his experience at a team visit in March to a U.S. military base near Saturday's venue at Kaiserslautern. Meeting American soldiers wounded in Iraq had moved him, he said.

"We're representing our country," Johnson said. "We know those guys (soldiers) are watching us and following us."

Asked by a surprised German reporter if he had really said "war", Johnson said: "Yeah, whenever you put your jersey on and the national anthem goes on, it's like 'do or die'.

"It's the survival of the fittest. It's 90 minutes of all you can do.

"We're going to do what we gotta do. You've got to do things when the referee's not looking. You've got to do what we have to do to get three points. I don't want to go home early."

They will play Ghana in the final match on June 22.

Arena angry at De Rossi for elbow

USA coach Bruce Arena hit out at Daniele de Rossi after the Italian's elbow on Brian McBride left the striker needing three stitches under his eye.
The midfielder saw red for the incident, the first of three dismissals in the match, a record-equalling tally.

And Arena said: "It was a vicious elbow and it could have broken his face."

However, Arena also paid tribute to his side after nine men held on for a draw, saying: "I respect the team for the way they dealt with it."


He added: "A lot of teams would use it as an excuse for losing on the day but my boys played with all their heart.

"Under extraordinary circumstances they played exceptionally. I don't think I have ever been in a game that ended with nine playing against 10."

Pablo Mastroeni was dismissed for a late lunge on Andrea Pirlo, while Eddie Pope saw red after two bookings for the US.

We are where we wanted to be going into the third round of matches

Bruce Arena

But Arena refused to criticise the match referee and instead focused on the efforts of his team, particularly skipper Claudio Reyna, Landon Donovan and goalkeeper Kasey Keller.

"Two red cards is pretty harsh. I've never had two players sent off in a game, this is the first time and I hope the only time.

"There is no way you can train a team to play 10 against nine for 30-something minutes. But I'm proud of my team."

"Claudio Reyna has had two great games for us and Landon Donovan made a fantastic effort today, so did all of our midfield.

"And Kasey Keller came up big for us - we never doubted he would."

And the 54-year-old insisted the result left his side ideally placed to qualify from Group E.

"We are where we wanted to be going into the third round of matches, perhaps four points will be enough to get out of this group."

McBride was amazed by the manner in which De Rossi lashed out saying: "I thought he was going to shatter my face."

However, he revealed the midfielder had apologised after the match, an act he described as "classy".

Steve Cherundolo, meanwhile, admitted a fear of being knocked out of the competition drove the Americans to their heroics.

"We had our backs to the wall. We knew if we didn't get a result we'd be out," said the Hannover 96 full-back.

"We wanted to pull something off tonight and show we could do it."

Vikash Dhorasoo creates history

June 14, 2006 15:27 IST

When he took the field in the 84th minute in the France-Switzerland match on Tuesday, Vikash Dhorasoo became the first player of Indian parentage to play in World Cup finals. The midfielder also nearly won the match for his team when his low drive missed the target by a whisker in the dying minutes.

Born in Mauritius to Indian parents, Vikash -- considered coach Raymond Domenech's favourite -- came on as a replacement for Sylvain Wiltord.

Vikash had to take off his ring before making his World Cup finals debut sporting the number eight jersy and he promptly passed the first ball he received to team mate Thierry Henry, who fumbled and eventually lost possession.

Playing the central midfielder's role, Vikash almost scored for his side two minutes before the hooter. A Louis Saha chest-down, off a Zinedine Zidane pass, reached him inside the box but Vikash's well-timed shot missed the far post as coach Domenech grimaced in disappointment in the sidelines.

Poor finishing saw Vikash's side being held to a goalless draw by Switzerland.

The 32-year-old Paris Saint Germain midfielder was in the 2002 World Cup squad as well but Vikash had to wait for another four years before making his debut.

Arena is a pussy. He wasn't crying when the US blatantly handled a ball that should have been a PK in the Mexico game in WC 2002.

The controversial games will come in the playoffs. When Italy, Spain, Portugal and England lose a game, and it's going to happen to at least three of the teams it is going to be a gigantic scandal that will be blamed on

1) The ref.
2) The country of the ref.
3) The player that scored the deciding goal.
4) The country that won.
5) FIFA

(only England)

6) David Beckham
7) His wife
8) Sven
9) Sweden
10) Nancy

he he he

That Ghanian player who waved the Israeli flag during his celebrations will not be doing it again. Apparently it caused a bit of a political snafu.

Thanks for your work in the Schedule & Standings thread falc.

You are welcomed. I hope others find it as a source.

The second match day in group play is now complete with one match day left. The following is a list of nations, by their confederations, that have made it through to the next stage, will be returning after this last match day and who are still on the bubble to advance:

Through to the Round of 16
Europe (5): Germany, England, Netherlands, Portugal & Spain

South America (3): Equador, Argentina & Brazil

Going Home for Summer Vacation
Europe (2): Poland & Serbia,

South America (1): Paraguay

North America (1): Costa Rica

Africa (2): Ivory Coast & Togo

Asia (1): Iran

On the Bubble
Europe (7): Sweden, Italy, Czech Republic, Croatia, Switzerland, France & Ukraine

North America (3): Trinidad & Tobago, Mexico & USA

Africa (3): Angola, Tunisia & Ghana

Oceania (1): Australia

Asia (3): Japan, South Korea & Saudi Arabia

In summation, 8 teams are through, 7 are done and 17 are still alive.

ROFLMAO@Going Home for Summer Vacation

Adriano aims to draw Italy and exact revenge
BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany, June 20 (Reuters) - Brazil striker Adriano hopes the world champions can face Italy in the next round of the World Cup and give him the chance to settle a few scores.


BERGISCH GLADBACH, Germany, June 20 (Reuters) - Brazil striker Adriano hopes the world champions can face Italy in the next round of the World Cup and give him the chance to settle a few scores.


The player wants to strike back after receiving some stinging criticism in Italy for his performances with Inter Milan, where he scored 19 goals in 47 games this season.


'From my personal perspective, if we could face Italy and I play well and score a goal, it would be perfect.' he told reporters at the Brazilian camp in Lerbach Castle.

Adriano recognised that Italy are strong defensively and it will not be easy to get past defenders who are used to his style of play.

'Cannavaro and Nesta are very good players. It is hard to turn them around with the ball. I know they'll create a lot of difficulties against Brazil,' he said.

'I just wish I have a chance. If I do, I'll score without hesitation,' he said.

Adriano broke a taboo by naming the team he would like to face in the second round.

Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and other players have dismissed questions about who they would prefer to face, saying they have to be ready to face anyone.

'A squad that aims to be world champions can not pick and choose the opponents. We must be ready to face anyone', said Parreira after Brazil beat Australia on Sunday to clinch a place in the last 16 with a game to spare.

Brazil need one point against Japan on Thursday to finish top of the group. They could also face United States, Ghana or Czech Republic.

Cafú said: 'We'll have to play the squad that qualifies to face us. Firstly, though, we'll need to focus on the match against Japan. In the World Cup, the most important match is always the next one.'

Adriano put his left foot in his mouth

As much as I love Brazil, they are not playing their best. So I would be careful what I wish for, if I were him.

Stats: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/stats?leag ... ts&cc=5901

Rank Top Rated Referees Rating

1 Graham Poll 7.6
Shamsul Maidin 7.6
3 Mark Alexander Shield 7.1
4 Roberto Rosetti 7.0
5 Horacio Elizondo 6.7
Toru Kamikawa 6.7
7 Coffi Codjia 6.6
Luis Medina Cantalejo 6.6
Armando Archundia 6.6
10 Carlos Eugenio Simon 6.5
Lubos Michel 6.5
12 Frank De Bleeckere 5.9
Valentin Ivanov 5.9
14 Markus Merk 5.8
Carlos Amarilla 5.8
Eric Poulat 5.8
17 Massimo Busacca 5.3
18 Oscar Julian Ruiz 5.0
19 Marco Rodríguez 4.2
20 Jorge Larrionda 4.0
21 Essam Abdel Fatah 3.8

Match the fan to the team:



More?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nati ... genews-utl

No.17's true name - Bocassa.

Graham Poll number 1? Ha ha ha

I have a question. Does Hakan Sukur still compete internationally for Turkey and will be around for the next WC? It would be a shame if he isn't.

Letter to the Guardian:

"Is it true that Chilean players drank vodka during the 1962 World Cup because they thought it would help their chances of beating the USSR?" asks Steven Davison."

It worked, Steven, whatever it was:)

They drink anything they can get their hands on so I guess Vodka was consumed at some point.

Although it's usually Piscola.

They drink their cheap ass wine made with their second rate grapes.

What's the best thing about Chilenos?

There aren't too many of them.

As the Group Stage Comes to an end:

9 teams are through, 8 are done and 15 are still alive

Through to the Round of 16
Europe (6): Germany, England, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain & Sweden

South America (3): Equador, Argentina & Brazil

Going Home for Summer Vacation
Europe (2): Poland & Serbia

South America (1): Paraguay

North America (2): Costa Rica & Trinidad & Tobago

Africa (2): Ivory Coast & Togo

Asia (1): Iran

On the Bubble
Europe (6): Italy, Czech Republic, Croatia, Switzerland, France & Ukraine

North America (2): Mexico & USA

Africa (3): Angola, Tunisia & Ghana

Oceania (1): Australia

Asia (3): Japan, South Korea & Saudi Arabia

As the numbers are getting smaller, finally a side outside of Europe or South America:

10 teams are through, 9 are done and 13 are still alive

Through to the Round of 16
Europe (6): Germany, England, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain & Sweden

South America (3): Equador, Argentina & Brazil

North America (1): Mexico


Going Home for Summer Vacation
Europe (2): Poland & Serbia

South America (1): Paraguay

North America (2): Costa Rica & Trinidad & Tobago

Africa (3): Angola, Ivory Coast & Togo

Asia (1): Iran

On the Bubble
Europe (6): Italy, Czech Republic, Croatia, Switzerland, France & Ukraine

North America (1): USA

Africa (2): Tunisia & Ghana

Oceania (1): Australia

Asia (3): Japan, South Korea & Saudi Arabia

I think Italia should get thru as the USA wont overcome the huge GD even if they win and Italia loses. I expect a great game toorrow.

Glad Mexico made it. Would have been sad if no concacaf teams made it to the next round.

Dwight Yorke says he will retire from international competition.

Maybe we get an unprecedented representative from each federation pass the opening round.

Ghana -- Australia -- Korea (hope not on the last)

hehehehe So I take it, you believe Ghana can beat the US tomorrow?

Does anyone know this?

It appears that FIFA pays qualifying countries a certain amount to help cover the cost of preperation to qualify and for lodging and travel during their WC stay.

What is the amount?

And I'm assuming it is the same for every country?

Anyone?

FROM 2003

Players risk getting yellow cardAssociated Press

GENEVA -- Keep that shirt on, Brandi Chastain.

FIFA's executive committee decided Saturday that players must keep their shirts on during games and banned all celebratory post-goal stripping.

``There were several awkward situations at the Confederations Cup,'' FIFA president Sepp Blatter was quoted as saying in Wednesday's editions of the Swiss newspaper Blick. ``One player needed five minutes to put his jersey back on because his vest was sewn into it.''

Blatter also said the sport's governing body intends to consider whether to impose a heat limit on games. Last week, Cameroon's Marc-Vivien Foe collapsed and died during the semifinals of the Confederations Cup in France.

Temperatures were in the 90s during the game. The cause of Foe's death has not been announced.

Blatter plans to attend Foe's funeral Thursday in Lyon and his memorial service on July 12 in Cameroon's capital, Yaounde.

FIFA first introduced the ban on shirt removal in 1996 but then relaxed it. Details of the new regulation will be distributed shortly to national soccer associations before the upcoming season.

In 1999, Chastain famously pulled off her shirt after scoring the winning goal for the United States in the Women's World Cup final against China.

Players who ignore the new regulation risk receiving a yellow card.