Question - In what language do referees and players talk to each other?

[rurallib]

I was watching a game the other day. An animated discussion between a referee and players from both squads broke out. It occurred to me that by nationality there were 3 distinct languages involved. So what did they use as common language? Is there some standard for a common language. I tried asking the AI but got no response.

If they don't use some common language what do they do?

[NoSheep]

1. hand signals

Soccer referees use a highly standardized, universal system of hand gestures, whistle blows, and flag movements (for assistant referees) to communicate decisions

[rurallib]

2. Thanks - once I got that question in my brain

it has been driving me nuts

[Old Crank]

3. I believe that most high level European referees speak English.

I'm sure a good number speak one other than their mother tongue.

A lot of the really good international player speak a couple of languages.

For the run of play there are standardized hand and arm signals for the referee and Assistants.

[muriel_volestrangler]

4. About 1 in 6 of all the players played in an English league last year

and then add some more playing in the USA, Scotland, Australia, South Africa - maybe Ghana too (Commonwealth country) ...

Spanish will be fairly common too - South American players and leagues, and many overseas players in Spain.