FOOTBALL INDISCIPLINE AS an ex-rugby player of 32 years, I agree with football manager Steve Coppell in regard to footballers' indiscipline compared to that of rugby, as highlighted by your Comment column (Echo, Mar 24).
One problem between the two codes is that a yellow card at football only means a possible red card when another offence takes place, or a missed game next week.
A yellow card at rugby means ten minutes off the field in the sin bin.
Another yellow card after that would result in a sending off and maybe appearing before a disciplinary committee.
One of the best deterrents rugby has to anyone "mouthing off" to the referee is the ten yard rule where the non-offending team is moved forward ten yards. If this happens more than once the offending player is quickly told in no uncertain terms by his own players to behave.
Rugby referees are in general explayers giving something back to their sport. They are respected by the players for their contribution.
One major problem with football is the resultant "unrest" that is caused in the crowd by poor behaviour of the players involved.
This does not happen in rugby, as its supporters also respect referees.
Malcolm Rolling, Carrville, Durham City.
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