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UEFA order refs to protect players after plea to look after game's 'artists' by Man City boss Pep Guardiola

UEFA has told referees to protect players better by clamping down on serious foul play in European club competitions.

With the Champions League and Europa League set to resume this week, UEFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina has asked officials to take firm action against players who commit reckless challenges.

The guidance comes less than a fortnight after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola asked English referees to look after the game's 'artists' by dealing with dangerous tackles more harshly.

Raheem Sterling said Manchester City players are being 'butchered' by some of the tackles
Raheem Sterling said Manchester City players are being 'butchered' by some of the tackles

In a statement, Collina said: 'We need to have players playing, so they must be protected on the field.