REFEREES and linesmen are using a special electronic ear at, Euro `96 matches, UEFA revealed yesterday.

Linesmen can now attract the referee by pressing a button on his flag which activates a bleeping sound on a special arm band worn, by the referee. The arm band even vibrates when the noise of the crowd means the referee would not be able to hear the sound.

The optional extra for referees has been used in Swiss League matches for the last two seasons.

Meanwhile, Turkish defender Alpay Ozalan has been praised for showing the spirit of fair play that UEFA is trying to foster.

Alpay was the last defender in a position to stop Croatia's Goran Vlaovic from breaking through to score what proved to be the only goal of Tuesday's Group D game at the City Ground, Nottingham.

Instead of fouling him from behind, he allowed Vlaovic to run on and score a fine individual goal.

Alpay was singled out for praise by Frantisek Chvalovsky, president of the Czech Football Association, at UEFA's latest Fair Play presentation.

As part of the Euro `96 Fair Play and Charity Project, one player from each team in the tournament is presenting a signed shirt to be auctioned by broadcasters.

Proceeds will go to three charity projects supported by UEFA.