13 Aug 2008Terry calls for refs to be respected

Football Leagues/ Association and Governance | Football Referees, Players, Managers and Media

John Terry has pledged his full support to the Premier League's Respect campaign and said he will do everything in his power to promote respect for referees.

The Chelsea skipper said that he did not want to take the passion out of the game but admitted there had to be respect between officials and players.

He also said that there is now more consistency in refereeing decisions and that a "level playing field" was being developed.

Speaking to Radio 5 Live, he admitted that Chelsea had been guilty of showing a lack of respect to officials in the past but believed it was unfair to single out individuals.

Richard Scudamore, chief executive of the Premier League, said that the campaign was about encouraging better relationships between officials and players.

"We want the passion and rivalries - what we don't want is some of that blatant disrespect and abuse," he explained.

Chelsea were highlighted last year when Ashley Cole turned his back on Mike Riley while being booked during a game at Tottenham.

Liverpool's Javier Mascherano was also punished after being sent off for appealing against a decision by Steve Bennett in a Premier League game against Manchester United.

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