Wolves' Jez Moxey blasts abuse of referees

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey today called for a tough new approach to stamp out the abuse of Premier League refs.

Moxey says stars who openly disrespect referees should be yellow carded and be sent off if they continue after accusing players of thinking they are 'above the rules'.

Wolves believe Tottenham's treatment of the officials during Sunday's 3-3 draw was symptomatic of the bigger clubs' attitude.

Spurs' players showed little regard for the 'Respect' campaign introduced to improve understanding between players and officials by 'ganging up' on referee Mark Halsey.

Although Moxey won't 'name and shame', he believes some players put officials under unnecessary pressure to try to gain unfair advantages and has firm ideas how to stop it.

He said: "The main culprits seem to be the so-called bigger clubs with the more high profile players."

"It's outrageous for a player to turn his back on a refwhen he's being booked and for players to be 'ganging up' on officials."

"We should eradicate this behaviour whereby outward shows of disrespect would be a bookable offence and, if repeated in the same sequence, result in a sending off."

Moxey believes stricter rules could be introduced next season. "It would probably result in two or three sendings off in some games, but players would quickly learn," he said.