THERE has been much made recently of the abuse suffered by referees in Premier League and international football matches and the criticism from players and managers.

The laws of football already prohibit swearing and abuse at the referee punishable by a warning and a yellow card. If its sustained abuse a red card can be issued.

I think referees prior to a game should tell players he is not going to tolerate abuse without issuing cards. This should apply to managers as well.

Referees should then fulfil their promise and issue cards as appropriate during the game.

To suffer abuse and not issue sanctions is undermining the authority of all referees.

Malcolm Dunstone, Darlington