Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore has revealed that a new directive has been issued to give referees more protection and respect this season.
At the official launch of the new season in London on Thursday morning, Scudamore said the 'Get on with the game' campaign would look to reduce the number of incidents of dissent towards officials from players and managers.
He told a news conference: "We've gone to the Professional Game Match Officials Board (PGMOB) and asked them what will help them."
He added: "We came up with a reduction in disrespectful behaviour, turning backs on referees and we don't want players surrounding referees, as well as the conduct of managers.
"In post-match interviews we don't want to stamp out constructive criticism, but it's more about the colour and the disrespectful language."
Scudamore was joined by West Brom manager Roy Hodgson, and he endorsed the move.
"Referees are an integral part of our game and some times we are less kind to them than we should be," he said.
"We all make mistakes, managers, players and referees.
"If we are caught out letting our emotions run away with us, we know the day after we are wrong and that we shouldn't do it.
"These initiatives are really important and we really need to stress it."
Source: PA
