UEFA Warn Referees Over Demand For Player Autographs
Europe’s football governing body, UEFA, have cautioned referees over demanding autographs from players following an incident involving Romanian assistant referee Octavian Sovre and Erling Haaland after Tuesday’s Champions League game between Manchester City and Borussia Dortmund at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland was captured signing the autograph for Sovre in the tunnel after his side’s 2-1 defeat to the Premier League leaders, raising a few eyebrows in the football fraternity.
It was later revealed that the cards which Haaland signed would be auctioned to raise money for Autistic children in Romania.
However, in an email sent by UEFA referees chief Roberto Rosetti to European match officials, such demands are simply ‘unacceptable’ and will not be tolerated.
"You are responsible for your behaviour and that of your team members when on a UEFA mission," Rosetti told the referees.
"UEFA has strived to get you respected as much as the players and you have helped with that by looking the part: athletic, commanding, respectful and professional.
"If you want to be respected as much as the players, why would you ask for their autograph or their shirt? Do they ask you for the same?
"This is simply unacceptable, this is a matter of dignity and don't forget about the number of TV cameras at UEFA matches - they catch everything."
