Calcio's refereeing chief, Stefano Braschi, has told the press of the new interpretation of rules for the upcoming season which was agreed upon at the referee's pre-season meeting: “We cannot allow a violent playing style. Now we see tackles on players at a crazy pace, even if they have no chance of getting the ball. We need to pay special attention to the way football is changing and getting faster.”
When asked about what was to be done about large groups of players protesting against refereeing decisions, Braschi stated: “They can talk to us, but there are certain tolerable ways of doing so. We want the captain to go back to a special role, to help the officials."
Braschi also made it explicit that shirt tugging in the penalty area when costless kicks and corner kicks are being taken will no longer be tolerated: “There will be zero tolerance on shirt-tugging. We have had enough of players looking at us with amazed faces whenever we award a costless kick or penalty. Players have to be aware of the rules.”
The problem of shirt-tugging was brought to the attention of many during last season's Juventus vs. Celtic UEFA Champions League fixture. Neil Lennon was furious at the decision not to award his side a penalty: They were being fouled at every occasion. The referee is looking at it. They were putting their arms around players, blocking their runs, trying to pull them down."