Kimmich thinks referees are too "sensitive"

Ahead of Euro 2024, UEFA issued new referee guidelines, one of which is that only the captain is allowed to approach referees during matches.

If someone ignores this and, despite not being the captain, directs any kind of dissent towards the referee, they should be cautioned, according to the new rules.

Germany captain Joshua Kimmich criticized the change after his side's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, saying he feels too many yellow cards are being handed out.

“In general, I'm not a big fan of this new system where only one player is allowed to talk to the referee. It's a good idea. But I think the referees in general are very sensitive,” said Kimmich. 

"Of course, sometimes you react with emotion. It has nothing to do with the referee. You might get angry about a situation. It's often the case that the referees take it like it's meant for them - which means you get a lot of yellow cards.

“In the Nations League, if you get two yellow cards, you're suspended. That can really, really hurt. In general, I wish the referees weren't so sensitive. Even though we have to keep our emotions under control. But it's not always something personal against the referee.”