Players can now be sent off for violent conduct even if the referee misses it

A new rule will come into play and work alongside VAR during the World Cup

Those guilty can be sent off retrospectively once the referee is made aware

A player guilty of violent conduct that has been missed by a referee can now be sent off retrospectively in the same match.

In a significant rule change that is being introduced for the World Cup and will work alongside VAR, even if play has re-started the referee can later be made aware of an off-the-ball incident and stop the game before reviewing the offence and deciding on a dismissal.

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The current rules state that once the game has re-started such incidents can not be dealt with.

Referees are to be enabled to send off players for violent conduct, even if they miss the act

Red cards could even be issued at half-time if the officials are informed of an incident from the first half during the interval. Indeed, even if it takes an hour for an offence to come to light, players can still be dismissed.

It is being implemented to cut down on violent acts that go unpunished – or those that are dealt with after the game has finished.

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For example, Chelsea’s Marcos Alonso was banned for three matches last month after the FA reviewed footage of his horror challenge on the calf of Southampton striker Shane Long, which went unnoticed by referee Mike Dean and his assistants just before half-time.

Television viewers and studio pundits were talking about the offence within minutes but Alonso was only hit with his suspension five days later.

Similarly, Newcastle striker Islam Slimani was banned for the final three matches of the season after he kicked West Brom’s Craig Dawson in an incident missed by the officials.

A new rule is to come into place and work alongside VAR technology at the World Cup

Referees are to be given more assistance with all incidents on the field during play

Within minutes of it happening TV replays were showing Slimani clearly lashing out at Dawson but, had VAR been in use, the referee would have been powerless to act because the game had stopped and then re-started.

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All FA Cup matches using VAR next season will also see referees given the power to issue retrospective red cards during the game. Cases of mistaken identity will also come under the rule change.

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Meanwhile, any player or substitute who gestures with his hands for a ‘VAR review’ or enters the referee’s review area will be shown a yellow card. Coaches will also be issued with a public warning if guilty of the same offence.