Howard Webb: Referees must no longer turn blind eye to ‘unacceptable behaviour’

TOUGHER: Referees have been instructed to issue at least one card where they are confronted by two or more players. Pic: Richard Sellers/PA

Referees’ chief Howard Webb says standards of behaviour in the English game have been “allowed to decline” over a period of many years and insists it is vital a new code of conduct is followed by everyone to address it.

Officials are being empowered to issue cards when confronted by two or more players in the season ahead, while players and coaches who seriously or repeatedly abuse referees could face increased financial penalties from the Football Association.