Youngsters copy idols... of course this drips down to grassroots level

I REFEREED my first match a few weeks ago in Oxford. I didn’t receive any abuse from the players, nor the parents on the touchline, but I was wearing a GoPro camera on my chest. That helps and we know that the FA are trialling body cams in grassroots games. Once you know you’re being filmed, you’re inclined to be on your best behaviour.

Well, unless you’re Aleksandar Mitrovic, of course. He knew every move he made would be captured by ITV’s cameras, yet still behaved like a brute. Premier League players have always been heroes to youngsters. They will mimic their movements, copy their celebrations, pop their collar up like Eric Cantona and pull their socks down like Jack Grealish. They will do whatever they can to be like their idols. If they see someone like Mitrovic intimidating a referee, don’t try to tell me that won’t have an influence.

I’m not saying I was an angel as a footballer. There were times when me and my team-mates crossed the line by surrounding and shouting at an official. That doesn’t make it right. Football should learn from rugby. There, only the captain can speak to the referee. That seems a good solution to me. If, say, six footballers who aren’t wearing the armband surround Chris Kavanagh, the referee should show them six yellows cards. That would deter Premier League players from doing what they’ve been doing because, like it or not, how they act impacts on football further down the chain. That is why I believe Mitrovic deserves a 10-game ban, at least. A strong reaction is required from the FA.

If Mitrovic gets away with a standard three-game suspension, that will tell us football doesn’t give a damn about the influence it can have down in grassroots.