Euro 2016: 5 things we learned from the group stages

#3 Officials’ relative leniency allows games to flow

The officials have had a good hold on things so far

What has been refreshing to see is the reluctance of match officials to brandish the early yellow cards for routine fouls. Their tendency to refrain from blowing for every daft challenge has allowed the game to flow, making it a more watchable spectacle. Referees realise that every player is entitled to a couple of unsuccessful tackles, unless it stops a potential goal-scoring chance.

The reduction in yellow cards has made sure that the number of players walking a tightrope due to fear of a suspension (for yellow card accumulation) has reduced compared to the earlier editions. Match officials must therefore, be given a lot of credit for allowing games to flow as freely as possible without them having to assert their authority.