No, the ref wasn't joking!!

Wednesdays referee outlined some new rule changes in his pre match talk in particular one about the tape players used on their socks. It certainly gave us all a pre match laugh as we thought it was a joke. Not so!. The following "directive" has been handed down by the suits at FIFA. Application of FIFA rules for Season 2012~2013 Law 4 – The Players’ Equipment: Stockings - if tape or similar material is applied externally it must be the same colour as that part of the stocking it is applied to. Reason for rule change: An increasing number of players are using excessive amounts of tape externally on their socks. This can be a multitude of colours and it completely changes the look of the sock. This can cause confusion particularly for assistant referees who may need to look at the sock to determine who last played the ball before it has gone out of play. The Edinburgh & District Referee Association confirm that this rule will apply to football in the current season. Whilst it is a possibility that a referee may not enforce the rule, club officials, players and supporters should not contest the decision of a referee who does apply the rule. Yeah, thought it would make you laugh.