Referees and their assistants will be ordered to clamp down on abusive language and gestures in next season's Premier League. The problem, which reached epidemic proportions last term, will top the agenda this weekend at the annual referee's conference.
At the meeting, Keith Hackett, the manager of English referees, will advise all Premiership and Football League officials that any abusive language or gestures directed at them from players will result in a straight red card as of next season.
Although the problem has undoubtedly been on the rise for some time now, breaking point came last season, when Wayne Rooney let fly with a shocking tirade against Graham Poll in Manchester United's clash with Arsenal at Highbury.
Perhaps it is unfortunate for the youngster that it is he who has been informally charged by the nation with tarnishing the game's image. Players have been abusing referees and getting away with it for years. Look no further than likes of Roy Keane, Patrick Viera or Lee Bowyer for the proof.
Nevertheless, Rooney is undoubtedly a role model for thousands of youngsters and his reactions to some decisions haven't helped the belief that it is part of the game to hurl abuse at match officials.
The new zero tolerance policy is a far cry from the 'put up and shut up' attitudes of referees last season. That in itself was sending out a damaging message to young players and fans about the acceptability of such behaviour.
Only time will tell whether this approach will work or not, but there could be initial problems. The assumption is that only English swearwords will be outlawed, leaving foreign players free to vent their anger with colourful words that the officials don't understand. This uneven playing field could prove to be a stumbling block to the new policy.
The FA will be launching a poster campaign named 'Respect the Referee' to get the message across. Rooney has not been invited to spearhead the campaign.
From Eurosport.com
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