Wenger Calls for Rugby-Style ‘Sin Bins’

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger feels the introduction of "sin bins" in football could benefit the game, after observing the success of the rule in rugby. The Arsenal manager is one of many advocating the use of goal-line technology and replay-based decision review systems and the Frenchman now adds the introduction of "temporary exclusions" into games could lead to fairer judgments.

The "sin bin" is a boxed-off space in rugby and ice hockey where a player serves a time penalty for fouls not severe enough to cause outright expulsion. Teams are not allowed to replace players who have been sent to the bin.

"A "sin bin" is worth thinking about in my opinion," Arsenal.com quoted the manager as saying and adding, "Sometimes you see a guy is on the fringes of his temper, on a moody day. Maybe if the referee can take him out for 10 minutes - like in rugby - then it would be a chance for the manager to tell him to calm down, focus on his game. That would be better in the long run."

Wenger also said the rule could benefit the team on the receiving end of a foul or offence more than present system, which helps the next opponent instead.

"There are other advantages too, for example, [at the moment] if a guy gets a second yellow, he's suspended for the next game. But, he might be facing Man United in his next game, so they have an advantage, yet the team that he fouled against on the day has no advantage," Wenger said.

"On top of that, they are at a disadvantage because one of their rivals has benefited. So sometimes you think 'where is the logic?' It would be better to take the punishment on the day, and give the advantage to the team that has been offended against. That's why the sin bin is more logical for an immediate punishment," he added.

Wenger's men visit Stoke City next as the Gunners attempt to get maximum points from their last three matches to boost the chances of earning an automatic Champions League qualification spot.