Statement on Respect

Following some criticism of referees, The FA has today said the following on the Respect programme:FA Director of Governance Jonathan Hall said: "It has been disappointing to witness various incidents of managers publicly criticising referees over the past few weeks.

"The FA will seek to meet with the LMA and individual managers regarding the Respect programme as soon as possible and offer them a further opportunity to raise any concerns. The LMA were fully involved in the pre-season consultation and we welcome their continued support for the programme.

"We accept that it can be very frustrating for managers when an incorrect decision is taken, but no referee does so deliberately - just as players and managers do not deliberately make mistakes.

"It is easy to support officials when a decision goes your way, the real test is the ability to show understanding when a call goes against you.

"There are already various official channels for managers to provide their views on refereeing performances, and managers are actively encouraged to use these channels rather than criticising referees through the media.

"There have been some positive signs at the top end of the game, in particular the drop in instances of players harassing referees. Additionally, we should also make clear that there have only been a small number of the league managers who have chosen to publicly criticise officials on the field or through the media.

"This is a long-term commitment and The FA will continue to work with all other organisations to improve behaviour across the game.

"The Respect programme started after The FA consulted 37,000 people involved in grassroots football and the general view was that improvements in behaviour were needed. There has been real progress at grassroots level.

"We will not give up on it and will continue to strive for that improvement at all levels of the game."