Imagine the scene. A player is substituted and as he reaches the tunnel he tells his manager, in very colourful language, that the manager has no idea, does not know what he is doing and could not organise a 'booze up' in a brewery. He also adds that his team selection and tactics leave a lot to be desired, or words to that effect.

What would be the expected reaction? Probably, no, definitely, a heavy fine and a transfer to another club because a player cannot be allowed to swear, criticise or talk to his manager in that way they say.

Accepted practice most people would agree.

The football season is less than a month old and to date a number of managers have already been sent to the stands by referees and reported to the Football Association for using foul and abusive language directed at referees, their assistants and to the fourth official.

The abuse directed at match officials is sadly seen by many people, as part of the game and just a bit of industrial language being used. It is not.

The laws of the game do not state that if the referee makes a mistake, or if someone disagrees with his decision that they are allowed to abuse him. On the contrary the laws are quite clear on this matter, it is a sending off offence to use offensive or insulting or abusive language and/or gestures.

At grassroots level one of the major factors for local referees giving up the game is the abuse directed at them. In the majority of matches the referee is officiating by himself and imagine how he feels with, on occasions, both teams and spectators on his back. It is a very lonely feeling at times.

As a result, local league secretaries are now having to cancel more and more games because no referee is available. Is it surprising that there is a shortage on occasions?

I always remember the comment of one local league secretary about referees. He said that if he had £1 for every complaint he had received about referees' performances he would be a very rich man. He also added that 99% of complaints were received from the team that lost. Is that a surprise?

If you wish to contact me about any refereeing matter please log onto to www.darlingtonreferees.freeserve.co.uk.