The Dutch football association is introducing a 10-minute time out for amateur players given a yellow card as part of a package of measures to try to reduce football-related violence.

The 10-minute rule will be introduced from July 1 for category B amateur teams but will not apply to top level amateur teams.

In addition, older youth players will need a certificate saying they are aware of the rules. And players who have been suspended for longer periods will have to provide evidence they can behave on the pitch before being allowed to play again.

The new rules follow the death of football linesman Richard Nieuwenhuizen who was attacked by youth players last year and died of his injuries in hospital. Seven players and one parent face manslaughter charges.

‘After the terribly sad event of December 20, it has become quite apparent that society and the football world have to take extra steps,’ Anton Binnenmars, director of amateur football at the KNVB, told news agency Novum.