Every weekend, at least one animated manager or incandescent player is spotted confronting a referee in the Premier League.
Only the individuals involved know exactly what is said, but it's safe to assume those conversations are not friendly. That is the perception at grassroots level, where amateur coaches and players - including youngsters - are mimicking Premier League stars by hurling abuse at officials. In some instances, that abuse at grassroots level is physical.
In Greg Cruttwell's new film In The Middle, the unglamorous career of being a grassroots referee is documented. Their love for football is obvious, but so are the tribulations they face on a weekly basis. As Cruttwell protests, attitudes towards referees need to improve.
