Clubs to get tough in fight against ref abuse

PREMIER LEAGUE clubs last night announced they will bring in a crackdown on “unacceptable” behaviour by players and managers towards referees from the start of next season.

Abuse of match officials, surrounding referees, unacceptable criticism and trying to get opponents sanctioned will all be targeted by the new campaign.

There have been a number of high-profile incidents this season, most recently when Alex Ferguson received a five-match touchline ban for his television outburst at referee Martin Atkinson following Manchester United’s defeat at Chelsea.