RUSTENBERG, South Africa — The Brazilian referee and his assistants
who will work the England-United States match at the World Cup have
been studying English-language obscenities the players might use.
Carlos Simon will
referee Saturday's match in Rustenburg, assisted by Roberto Braatz and
Altemir Hausmann. They want to ensure players can't get away with abuse.
"We
have to learn what kind of words the players say," Hausmann told
Brazilian broadcaster Globo Sport. "All players swear and we know we
will hear a few."
Braatz says they aren't learning them in "11 different languages, but at least we have to know the swear words in English."
In addition, refereeing
officials briefed all teams about the rules, including the potential
for players to be cautioned or sent off for abusive language or
gestures.
"There should not be any surprises to any members of the teams," FIFA spokesman Alex Stone said.
Stone said there was no requirement for referees to know obscenities in languages other than English.
Wayne Rooney
received a yellow card during England's warmup match against South
African club Platinum Stars on Monday for swearing at the referee.