John Terry has urged the Football Association to change
the rules and rid the game of ugly confrontations between players
and officials.
The Chelsea skipper is in favour of a rule change which
would only allow team captains to speak to officials over
contentious decisions on the pitch.
His remarks come just days after his club and international
team-mate Ashley Cole issued an apology for his horror tackle on
Tottenham's Alan Hutton and for showing a lack of respect towards
referee Mike Riley as he was shown the yellow card during their 4-4
draw.
Now Terry says it is time for the FA to get rid of mass
confrontations between players and referees.
"I do agree there has to be a line drawn and confronting the
referee has to be taken out of the game," said Terry.
"I think we have to give it a go and if it doesn't work then the
FA and the officials have to say that. But we have to try these
things."
Terry was criticised in many quarters for running over to Riley
when he saw the Tottenham staff react angrily to Cole's challenge
on Wednesday night. But Terry played down suggestions he was trying
to influence the official.
"I saw their bench jump up and I ran forward to tell Mike Riley
not to listen or be intimidated by their bench trying to force him
into a decision," explained Terry.
"I spoke to him and he told me 'It was a high tackle and it was
going to be a booking', I agreed and walked away.
"There was no argument from me or anyone else close to Mike
Riley and I thought he handled it fantastically well.
"Us players have got to set an example to the younger kids
playing the game and people watching. But it is a natural reaction
when a tackle is made. The fans show their frustration and whistle
at the referee and the players have that same reaction because we
are all so passionate about the game.
"It is a case of Chelsea appealing for what they feel is right
at the time on the pitch. The club have spoken to the players and
the manager about it but at the moment we don't see we are doing it
any more than any other club."