Leadership training could stop abuse of referees

REFEREES should be given support in a bid to crack down on bad behaviour by football players and managers, experts say.

A study by Dr Tom Webb, from the University of Portsmouth, concluded that leadership training for match officials could drive down verbal abuse directed towards them.

He said: ‘The nature of their jobs means they are working alone most of the time.

‘So, as with the wide-flung managers of global corporations, referees need innovation in their leadership, support and training, especially as they work under immense pressure and scrutiny.’