March 18, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 9, 1429

BRUSSELS, March 17: The European Union’s top sports regulator said dangerous tackles should be dealt with on the soccer pitch, dismissing FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s view that the matter should handed to the civil courts.

The head of FIFA believes players who commit dangerous tackles should be banned for life and such incidents treated as criminal acts.

But EU Sports Commissioner Jan Figel said FIFA should avoid advocating court cases and instead concentrate of educating coaches and players about the dangers of such actions, emphasising the rules needed to be tougher and clearer for referees.

“I like the preventive rather than the reactive approach. It is better to educate, to advocate tolerance, an observance of the rules and team spirit,” Figel said in an interview.

“It’s important that we try to develop steps and policies which are compatible and realistic from an implementation point of view. We shouldn’t give too much work to the courts.”

UEFA President Michel Platini has also slammed Blatter’s reaction following a recent tackle on Arsenal’s Eduardo da Silva in which the Croatia striker suffered a broken leg and ankle dislocation.—Reuters