Sergio Ramos calls on Spanish refs to mirror English counterparts' leniency

Perhaps Sergio Ramos' hard-hitting tactics would be better suited to the Premier League after the Real Madrid captain picked up his 18th La Liga red card over the weekend.

He was show a second yellow during the final moments of Sunday's 3-0 win over Deportivo La Coruna after appearing to elbow opponent Borja Valle during an aerial challenge.

But Ramos has, instead, suggested a lenient approach from referees could benefit players in Spain's top flight similar to England, where he feels matches are more free flowing thanks to, what he perceives as, the relaxed nature of Premier League officials.

"In some areas we need to look more at English football and let the players play on more, I like their system better," Ramos said, according to Reuters. "In Europe referees are more tolerant.

"I don't agree with the (second) yellow card, it was harsh, but I respect the opinion of the referee. I have no intention of hurting him, I just supported myself, but you learn from everything."

While Ramos' assessment of the leniency in the Premier League is fairly accurate, according to the number of red cards issued last term, Spain trails the likes of Italy and France when it comes to sending players off.

The red card extended his place as Real Madrid's most unruly player, with his 23 red cards in all competitions easily eclipsing Fernando Hierro's previous record of 12 reds.