hard-pressed referees are turning to police psychologists to get specialised
training in dealing with aggression.
The problem was brought sharply into focus on Friday when German prosecutors
confirmed that they were investigating Oliver Kahn, the German captain,
after thousands of fans saw him apparently trying to strangle Thomas
Brdaric, the rival Bayer Leverkusen striker, in the middle of a game.
Kahn, a Bayern Munich player, has punched and even high-kicked other players
in past matches, but although he is the best known of a new breed of violent
players, he is not alone.
From next month, referees are to take lessons in dealing with conflict on
the pitch, in which psychologists will pass on the same lessons taught to
police officers.
"The situation is unbearable and immediate action is necessary," said
Gerhard Mayer-Vorfelder, the president of the DFB.
Franz Beckenbauer, the former German captain and manager, witnessed the
problem at last month's ill-tempered clash between Munich and Borussia
Dortmund.
"The behaviour of players towards referees can no longer be tolerated," Mr
Beckenbauer said .
Kahn dismissed the whole matter as "ridiculous", saying: "I didn't really
touch him; I only put my hand on his neck. After all, football is a man's
game."