The players who needle referees and irk rivals, a question of emotional intelligence | OneFootball

Some players work referees and unsettle opponents, using dialogue to tilt a match. Lyon captain Corentin Tolisso typifies it, seen in exchanges with Clément Turpin during Brest 0-0 Lyon in November.

Amaury Delerue, Ligue One’s manager-instructor of referees, said: "The assessment is largely positive." According to L'Équipe, footballers who constantly engage officials often push the boundaries of influence.

Team-mate Pavel Sulc has described Tolisso as the match’s conductor, with officials and rivals alert to him. That presence can grate, raising questions about authority and overreach.

Former Lyon keeper Rémy Vercoutre says dominant players frequently cultivate special relationships with referees that irritate opponents. Ex-Auxerre midfielder Philippe Violeau argues some players set the tempo and keep up respectful, persistent dialogue.

Ex-international referee Frank Schneider frames it as a subtle contest of influence, quietly flagging repeat offences to shape the next decision. He calls it a kind of emotional intelligence used by true leaders.

Benoît Cheyrou admits he first bristled at Violeau’s finesse, then learned credibility flows from calm conversation and using referees’ names, not shouting. Schneider adds some players say nothing yet inflame opponents out of the referee’s sight.

Technology is tightening the net. Vercoutre says about 20 cameras make sly acts likelier to be caught, while Charles Debris notes VAR and coaches’ fear of finishing with 10 temper gamesmanship. Under the captain-only protocol, Delerue added: "In 2024-2025 there was roughly a 15% rise in dissent-related cautions. This season, after 18 matchdays, we are around 12%."

Source: L'Équipe