Eden
Hazard has bemoaned the lack of protection offered by Premier League
referees, saying the "wear and tear" is taking its toll on his body.
The Chelsea forward, the fourth most fouled player in the Premier League,
has recently returned from injury after two weeks out with a back problem
suffered in last month's 2-2 draw against Manchester United.
Hazard has already missed five of Chelsea's opening 18 fixtures this season,
and while he is keen for officials to be stricter, he understands the
difficulties of their role.
"I'm 27 now and starting to get older, so I have to take more care of my
body," said Hazard.
"I am feeling the wear and tear. I have been playing football as a
professional for more than 10 years now. It is part of the game, I guess. I
am not happy but it's part of football.
"The referee tries to do his job and I try to do mine. I guess when I am on
the floor I can win free-kicks, so every free-kick with Chelsea is a chance
to score more goals."
Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, who is the league's most fouled
player, called for harsher punishments in September, asking if he would
"need get his leg broken for anyone to get a red card".
Hazard is in agreement with Zaha, saying: "For me that would be better. For
the referee, though, it can be hard to show a yellow card in the first
minute. Everywhere it is the same for me."
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