IT is a sad state of affairs that a football referee of international standing should feel the need to quit after receiving death threats.

Anders Frisk says he will never set foot on a pitch again after receiving the threats in the wake of the hate-filled Champions League encounter between Chelsea and Barcelona.

It is an over-reaction in the eyes of some people who say that abuse comes with the territory for referees.

But with such obscene amounts of money now at stake in football, the "beautiful game" has become riddled with rivalry which has gone too far, and referees are the ones in the firing line.

Frisk has been a referee for nearly 20 years. He says he still loves football. But he has walked away because he fears he and his family are in danger from thugs who call themselves supporters.

Whether it is an over-reaction or not, football has to wake up to its responsibilities. Too many managers and players, blessed with the aid of video replays, are quick to risk a slap on the wrist from the Football Association by condemning referees on television.

The result is a stirring up of emotions which is threatening to spiral out of control.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has been a welcome and colourful addition to the Premiership. But his comments about Frisk were reckless and regrettable.

It is time managers and players realised how hard it must be to make split-second decisions, and appreciated that mistakes are inevitable. It is also time their punishment for openly criticising officials is made more meaningful.

Perhaps then, referees like Anders Frisk will not be lost to the game.