Elano - Referees need to be tougher

22 June 2010 11:50

Brazil's Elano believes referees at the World Cup are being too soft when it comes to punishing harsh play.

Elano was stretchered off with a shin injury after a tackle from Ivory Coast defender Cheik Tiote during Sunday's 3-1 victory.

"I forgive because I am not a player that feels remorse," he said. "But I believe referees should be much tougher because in this case the foul was committed close to where the official (Stephane Lannoy) was."

The good news for the former Manchester City midfielder, who scored his side's third goal against the Ivory Coast, is that he has avoided a serious injury.

"I have something but it's less serious than first feared," he said. "I will do everything possible so that I can play in our next game."

Source: PA