Jurgen Klopp slams IFAB! Liverpool boss addresses sin-bin controversy and doubts whether football's law makers have 'ever had a fantastic idea'

This week, the IFAB proposed the blue card and a 10-minute sin-bin, where players would be temporarily forced off the field in cases of dissent of cynical fouls. Klopp joined supporters and pundits in criticising the proposals. After sin-bins were implemented in select youth and amateur matches, a larger experiment was scheduled for the next season, possibly including FA Cup matches. Although it was doubtful that professional football would implement the notion for some time, Klopp made it clear that he thought about the introduction of a third card.

"It doesn't sound like a fantastic idea in the first moment," says Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in his pre-match news conference when asked about the introduction of blue cards. "But actually, I can't remember when the last fantastic idea came from these guys - if they ever had one."

Klopp then added: "IFAB... Nope. I'm 56... Nah."

The purpose of blue cards is to discourage disrespectful behaviour towards referees. Players who receive a blue card are dismissed temporarily rather than being kicked out of the game. It has been framed as an improvement on the conventional yellow card as these kinds of infractions will result in an instant punishment. However, receiving a blue card will also put the player in danger because receiving two blue cards or a yellow and blue card together would result in a red.

The Telegraph reported earlier today that plans for the blue card trial had been 'thrown into doubt' after strong resistance within the game. Therefore, it is likely that fans will not see the blue card or the sin-bin any time soon in the top tiers of the game. It was also announced by FIFA that the blue cards and sin bin rules were not meant for the professional game and would be trialled in youth games. As for Klopp, he will lead his side against Burnley on Saturday, February 10 as Liverpool look to extend their lead at the top of the table.