NEU ISENBURG, June 24: Referees are playing their part in creating a free-flowing World Cup by following strict instructions from FIFA on foul play.

Russian referee Valentin Ivanov said a glut of red cards in the tournament did not signify out of control players but reflected officials clamping down hard on transgressors.

The month-long extravaganza has so far produced 18 red cards from 48 matches, fast approaching the record of 22 from 64 matches in the 1998 finals in France.

In two group stage matches —Italy against the US and Croatia versus Australia — three players were expelled from each game.

“If you speak about the tournament so far, the behaviour of the players is ok I think,” Ivanov told reporters on Saturday after a training session.

“Maybe because of these red cards it has not been a dirty tournament.

“FIFA wish to see football, not fighting, on the field of play. That is why referees receive clear instructions, not because we hate players, but because we try and protect players and the game.”—Reuters