Barwick: Stars have to behave

Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick today warned players that bad behaviour and a lack of respect is threatening the image of the beautiful game.

Following the shock announcement that Newcastle United midfielder Lee Bowyer is facing jail for brawling on the pitch with team-mate Kieron Dyer, Barwick knows the FA's authority to rule on disciplinary matters on the pitch is under threat.

But in his first review of the FA's business since he took over as chief executive in February, he has highlighted the need to stamp out thuggish conduct by the game's top stars and called on them to show more respect to referees.

He said: "The image of the game is enormously important for its long-term health. In recent months it has come under attack for the way in which match officials seem increasingly to be put under pressure by angry and at times offensive players. This must stop.

"Thousands of matches every week result in thousands of incidentsand controversies and the profile of the sport means that controversy can be found off the pitch as well as on. Sport depends upon respect - for officials and for other players.

"At the top of the game and right through to park football, we must make sure that referees and their assistants are treated with courtesy and respect. I'm determined that this will be achieved and will engage with all interested parties to take a lead in tackling this problem."

Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have warned footballers they can face arrest if they step out of line during matches. In the past they have been prepared to leave on-pitch matters to the FA.

Before yesterday's decision to make Bowyer face Newcastle magistrates for his clash with Dyer, which came during Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat by Aston Villa in April, he had already been banned for seven games and fined £30,000 by the FA. He had also been fined a further six weeks' wages by his club.