Pearce backs drive for Respect

U21 boss 'embarrassed' by behaviour of managers and players

By Peter Fraser   Last updated: 17th November 2008

Stuart Pearce

Pearce: Applauds FA action

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England Under 21 manager Stuart Pearce believes the Football Association's Respect campaign is a step in the right direction because of the 'embarrassing' behaviour of managers and players.

The FA introduced the initiative at the beginning of the current season in a bid to tackle unacceptable behaviour in the game, but the scheme has been met by mixed reviews.

Recent outbursts from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and Newcastle interim boss Joe Kinnear have seem some question the success of Respect, and doubts have been raised about the longevity of the policy.

However, Pearce is no doubt that the actions of managers and players needs to be addressed after the likes of Chelsea defender Ashley Cole caused controversy last season by turning his back on Premier League referee Mike Riley.

Battle

"Something needed to be done after the end of last season when players were surrounding the referees," Pearce - who also serves on the backroom staff of senior team chief Fabio Capello - told Sky Sports News.

"I was embarrassed at times to see it."

And Pearce believes that the FA is winning its battle to improve levels of conduct in English football.

"It is open to criticism," added Pearce. "But in the main the message has been received.

Support

"It is a step in the right direction. It is easy to sit back and criticise but I would prefer to be a bit more supportive."

Pearce also feels that managers - such as Kinnear, who described referee Martin Atkinson as 'Mickey Mouse' during Newcastle's defeat at Fulham earlier in November - are taking the easy way out.

"I have made a point not to criticise referees," continued the former Manchester City boss. "Bleating about it never really solves a great deal.

"It is a cheap line to criticise a referee. Go and be a referee for a couple of games and see how hard it is.

"The more support we give them the better. They are going to make mistakes just like players and managers, but that is what makes the game beautiful."