FA: Too early to comment on the failure of ‘Respect’

September 24, 2008

FA has remained totally committed for their initiative to have the referees respected despite their campaign took a major battering during two games in the previous week.

Brian Barwick, who will be leaving his post as chief executive in a short time, launched the campaign ‘Respect’ in the early part of the year.

Barwick claimed that it was his intentions for getting players into behaving better with the match officials. He also wanted them to work with the referees and avoid arguments and haranguing them.

The outgoing chief executive also wanted captains of the clubs to speak with referees only following any contentious decision.

Although this scheme was highly praised initially, major flashpoints of angry exchanges were seen during games at Vicarage Road and Stamford Bridge during the weekend. This has made many experts to believe that ‘Respect’ is dead and might not make a comeback until some strict action is taken.

However, FA vehemently has disputed their views. They feel that it is far too soon for making a judgment on this regard.

According to FA officials, though incidents didn’t make pretty viewing, it is felt that Respect might be working, as it took the edge off all the reactions during the weekend games.

There is no doubt to the fact that Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t hit back at referee Mike Riley in a manner, which he could have done for the officiating during Chelsea-United game.

Watford players also showed restrained behavior, as it could have been far worse considering they conceded a goal, which clearly was a shot almost a yard of their post.

FA spokesman said ‘’Respect’ is a long term commitment for improving the behavior of players on the field and we should not allow negative points of individual incidents to ruin its impact.’

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