The lack of respect that referees receive from players is pretty harsh.

It's true the Premier League is big business and every player is hyped up for every match, knowing that the slightest hiccup could cost his team the chance of glory or survival.

Therefore it is hardly surprising that referees get an earful every time they make a decision that could cost a team dearly against the opposition. But that is what referees are there for, to judge the game and use their knowledge to create a fair playing atmosphere.

'Harsher bans will really hurt players more than fines'


Referees should therefore be obeyed and respected by footballers. Even if you are paid £100,000 a week and are a superstar, if you break the rules then you should take it on the chin and go with the referee's decision.

It is true they may make the odd mistake and this could cost a team, but at the end of the day it is their decision and during the whole season every tiny decision will probably even out amongst teams.

You can see by the anger on the players' faces and the swearing that goes on just by lip reading that some players go too far in their protests. Just look at Javier Mascherano recently trying to bully the referee and refusing to leave the pitch even when shown the red card.

But what can be done to do this? Is a harsh fine really going to solve the problem? Players earn way too much money as it is and fining them a couple of months' wages would hardly dent their loaded pockets.

Do you really think players give more respect to referees by having to pay a fine?  They are too 'up themselves' to admit they are wrong half the time.
The best way to react to players disrespecting officials is to ban them from future games. Yes, if a player gets too many cards then he is banned for a small number of matches. But what if the bans where harsher? Could a red card mean a player has to miss five to 10 matches over a period? Could a yellow mean he goes to a 'sin-bin' for 15 minutes?

This is a novel idea but something has to be done and in other games it happens. Banning a player from doing what he does best will hurt him and although he may be mighty p*ssed off it could make him think again before swearing at the referee or insulting a linesman.

I think the 'sin bin' idea is a good one as it gives an immediate advantage to the opposition and really hurts the offending player and team.
Harsher bans will really hurt players more than fines and this punishment should make 'most' players be a bit more respectful on the pitch.
Some players like Robbie Savage - a relatively frequent red-card man - may never play again.