UEFA issued the instructions at a four-day workshop for the officials, who include England's Howard Webb, at their Euro 2008 base near Zurich, with six points highlighted in total.

The referees have been told to: "...act firmly (red card) against challenges involving excessive force... including the illegal use of arms and elbows".

Holding and pushing in the penalty area at corners and free-kicks, along with "simulation", are other areas UEFA wants referees to combat.

UEFA will be able to review video evidence to take action over simulation - more commonly referred to as diving in the British game - at the finals, which take place between June 7-29 in Austria and Switzerland.

In an attempt to curb mass confrontations UEFA added: "Any players involved... have to realise that the main protester(s), including any who run over to join in, will get a yellow card."

It is not just players who have been targeted by European football's governing body as UEFA insists managers will also be under the microscope.

"If a coach openly criticises the referee, action will be taken to curb his behaviour," said UEFA.