Angry LMA slam David Bernstein for 'megaphone commentary' attack on managers

David Bernstein was today accused of “bringing the game into disrepute” by the League Managers Association after he claimed bosses were setting a “terrible example” with their behaviour.

The former Football Association chairman spoke out after being awarded the CBE in the New Year Honours, saying managers were harassing officials and being too critical of referees after matches.

But the LMA have hit back at Bernstein (above), saying: “We believe his comments are misguided, and unhelpful. It is particularly sad to find David Bernstein celebrating his CBE by engaging in a megaphone commentary from the sidelines, taking a unilateral swipe at managers, having wholly failed to engage, in any meaningful way, with the LMA and its members during his tenure as FA chairman. Had he engaged with the LMA, his leadership would have been rather more effective and focused.

“Such a commentary is inflammatory, can only tend to bring the game into disrepute and further widens the gap between those that reputedly lead the game and those that find employment and build their careers within it.”