PFA chief Taylor concerned over trend of two-footed challenges

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Chelsea's Ricardo Carvalho and Reading's Brynjar Gunnarsson were dismissed for two-footed lunges during Boxing Day matches, the type of challenges the PFA want eradicated to protect skilful players in the game.

Taylor has also called for captains to have a greater role in preventing wild tackles by communicating with referees before and during games.

"The only way the game is going to survive is not through a 'Rollerball' or ice hockey type of 'crash, bang, wallop'," he said.

"It's an entertainment because of it's skill and you have to protect skilful players first and foremost.

"There needs to be a respect between fellow professionals and for the opposition. We know the game has got faster and it's even faster in this country.

"But we have to show a concern for the health and safety of players.

"I'm worried about it because if you get that tackle on the standing leg then it is a danger. We lose 50 players a year with permanent injury."

Liverpool striker Peter Crouch is also serving a ban for jumping into a tackle on Mikel John Obi, as is Didier Zokora following his challenge on Elano with studs up.

"It's a time of year where there are a few tired limbs about and there are a number of games in a short period of time," Taylor said.

"They say that where you are at the turn of the year is where you'll end up - and there are players and coaches looking to protect their position.

"It is that win-at-all-costs attitude that you want to remove."

Taylor feels the role of captain is important in the bid to clamp down, as is the input of the Football Association.

"We're an entertainment sport and do not want to see players sent off, which is the job of the referee," he said.

"The FA are having a respect campaign for referees and we want referees to make better use of captains - to make it clear to them certain things they are not going to stand for and for him to tell his team."

He added: "The FA have power to charge players for bringing the game into disrepute if what has happened goes beyond three matches.

"We ask the FA to employ more ex-players and managers on the disciplinary panel to have experience like a good judge to what is more than a three-match ban."

Despite a recent increase in red cards for two-footed challenges, referees chiefs insist they are merely enforcing existing policy.

A spokesman for the Professional Game Match Officials Board has denied there had been an instruction to be any stricter than they usually are.

The spokesman said: "The issue of the two-footed challenges was discussed at the regular pre-season meetings the PGMO hold with managers and players.

"They were reminded of the key point surrounding the excessive use of force in the tackle.

"A player who jumps into a tackle two-footed is not in control of himself and therefore if he makes contact with the player, ball and player, or if the referee determines there to be excessive malice in the challenge, he will be dismissed.

"There has been no 'clampdown' on the tackle or new directive issued - referees are simply applying the law as it has always stood."