Shut up or pay up, says Bates

Chelsea are to crack down on players who are disciplined by referees for dissent.

Chairman Ken Bates revealed today that the club's hard-line policy has been spelt out to all senior players in a meeting at Stamford Bridge.

Bates told Standard Sport: "There will be no exceptions and no excuses. If players are disciplined by referees for dissent, then they face internal fines imposed by the club. The players at our club are now aware of this."

Chelsea's tough approach will be welcomed by the Football Association, which has announced a clamp down on swearing this coming season. Players now face a red card for the use of foul and abusive language, even if it not directed at match officials.

The FA has become increasingly concerned over television closeups of Premiership stars swearing at officials or opponents.

Bates said: "I have been campaigning for this kind of action from the FA for some time. I agree with it wholeheartedly. We also explained to the players the folly of sounding off at the linesmen.

"Referees have never changed a decision because of dissent and if you abuse a linesman, then what is going to happen the next time there's a 50-50 decision? They are only human, they have feelings, so the players who has just had a go at them is not going to get the benefit, is he?"

Philip Don, the Premier League's head of referees, warned: "If foul or abusive language is wilfully directed at the match officials, the only action a referee can take is to dismiss, he cannot caution."