I find it incredible that football referees put up with the level of abuse that they are subjected to by both players and managers alike.

In the rule book it says that the use of ‘foul and abusive language’ can be punishable by a yellow card. Why do they consistently refuse to use this sanction? As well as providing media entertainment, surely the referees are responsible for setting an example to the millions of players (especially children) who are watching matches around the world. If applying the sanctions means that for a couple of weeks teams are playing with seven or eight players per team by the end, then so be it for the betterment of the sport in general.

The clubs themselves must also take responsibility for the behaviour of their players. Firm action needs to be taken consistently to rid the game of this blight on football.

Managers also need to be consistently taken to task when they overstep the mark in criticising referees. Sir Alex Ferguson for one. There seems to be one rule for him and another for the likes of Neil Warnock. I will be interested to see what action FIFA take against the Polish manager who was openly critical of the English referee who handled their game against Austria last night.

I wont hold my breath in the hope of any action being taken!