Manchester United centre-back Raphael Varane has hit out at new referee directives on added time for stoppages and fears extended 100-minute matches will harm the physical and mental well-being of players.
Officials will add exact time lost to celebrations, substitutions, injuries, penalties and red cards, which was brought in during the World Cup last season when matches regularly went past the 100-minute mark.
At the Community Shield at the weekend, Arsenal equalised in the 101st minute at Wembley and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola joked that matches will end up being played until the following day.
“We had a meeting last week with the FA. They recommended from the referees new decisions and rules,” wrote Varane on his social media platforms.
“From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players physical and mental well-being.
“Despite our previous feedback, they have now recommended for next season: longer games, more intensity, and less emotions to be shown by players. We just want to be in good condition on the pitch to give 100% to our club and fans. Why are our opinions not being heard?
“As a player I feel very privileged to do the job I love every day but I feel these changes are damaging our game. We want to be at our maximum level, the best we can be and put on amazing performances for fans to celebrate every week.
“I believe it is important that we, players and managers, highlight these important issues as we want to protect the game we love and give the fans our best.”
Guardiola highlighted the problems of the added minutes after his team lost on penalties to Arsenal, having conceded deep into injury time.
“It was annoying but we have to get used to it,” said City manager Guardiola. “I had the feeling, not because we were winning 1-0, but that not much happened to extend it for eight minutes.
“It’s a good question for the international board and people because they don’t consult with managers and players and we have to accept it with this amount of games.
“Now the games will be 100 minutes. Nothing happened today and there was eight minutes. They extend for goals. If the score is 4-3 and you put 45 seconds for seven goals, tomorrow morning at 9am I am [still] here playing.”
