FA crackdown on bad behaviour on the football pitch

Footballers are being told bad behaviour on the pitch will not be tolerated and won’t go unpunished.

It follows what the FA has described as a number of ‘unpleasant incidents’ which have been reported over recent weeks.

One player was charged and given a 180 day suspension after a physical altercation with a match official.

The FA says whilst instances like this are rare they do spoil the sport for others and will be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee.

Despite this there has been a drop in red cards issued – which is down 14 per cent this season compared to a year ago.