The FA's respect campaign has long been derided as a complete waste of time. And the situation with referees this season is getting even more ridiculous.
The one golden rule of football I grew up with was "the referee is always right, even when he's wrong." But sadly that adage is no longer true as the referees and the authorities are setting precedents.
Referees have been apologising to managers for making mistakes this season. How very noble. The referee's chief Keith Hackett has been calling club's up to apologise. How very polite. Referees are getting dropped for minor mistakes. These are referees for goodness sake. How can they earn respect if their bosses are blaiming them for every single thing they get wrong?
Sir Alex Ferguson has jumped on the bandwagon with his disgraceful outburst about Alan Wiley's fitness. The authorities should throw the book at him but managers can get away with any criticism of referees they like - because referees are not prepared to stand up for themselves.
Darren Bent's beach-ball goal at the weekend takes the biscuit. Who really knows the football law concerning beach balls? The attention seeking Jeff Winter and Dermot Gallagher should know all about respecting match officials. Their criticism of Mike Jones is appalling.
Football players make mistakes. Managers make mistakes. Aren't referees allowed them without fear of retribution? Stand up for yourselves guys please (and that goes for your bosses and former colleagues) ... or you'll make things worse.
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