The former Premier League referee, who retired from refereeing in 2014, made the shocking allegations on BT Sport during Tuesday's Champions League coverage.

Webb, who officiated the 2010 World Cup and Champions League finals, claimed players would request bookings to ensure extra time off during the festive period in England.

"It’s not something fans will want to hear," the 45-year-old said.

Players earn a one-match ban for accruing five yellow cards, with the length of ban increasing if a player receives 10 yellow cards.

Christmas time brings a busy set of fixtures in English football, with teams often facing matches every two or three days with the Boxing Day fixture list a staple of the English season.