tribalfooball.com - February 14,
2007
Premiership referees found guilty of swearing at players could find
their status under threat, says former FA compliance officer Graham
Bean.
Bean believes an official using abusive language in general
conversation can be tolerated but aiming it towards players is
"unacceptable".
Phil Dowd was accused by Wigan of verbal abuse "in an aggressive
and menacing manner" during the defeat by Arsenal at the weekend,
actions which would warrant a red card if committed by a
player.
"For a referee to use abusive language to a player is totally
unacceptable, he is there to control the game," Bean said.
"Players, in the passion of the game, use insulting language not to
the referee but as part and parcel of the game. The rules are clear
if they swear at an official they will be sent off.
"If the boot is on the other foot and a referee is using abusive
language at players, it should be taken very seriously and
investigated thoroughly. If proven, action should without doubt be
taken immediately against the referee."
Bean, now a football disciplinary consultant, added: "Without a
shadow of a doubt there would be serious implication for
him."
wonder if Phil Dowd will be punish if really found evidence that he
did swear