Burkinshaw: players’ behaviour diabolical

WATFORD assistant boss Keith Burkinshaw last night labelled footballers’ behaviour “diabolical” and called on the authorities to clamp down on their diving and swearing.

Burkinshaw, who won two FA Cups and one UEFA Cup when he was in charge at Tottenham from 1976 to 1984, is Hornets chief Adrian Boothroyd’s right-hand man and hopes to help the Premiership strugglers to their first away win of the season at Portsmouth tomorrow.

But it is the actions of modern players which distresses Burkinshaw – and the 71-year-old believes the FA should hand heavier punishments to those who cheat and swear at referees.