Hodgson wants respect from fans

Albion boss Roy Hodgson today called for the Premier League's new 'respect campaign' to target abusive fans.

The Baggies boss believes supporters should be encouraged to respect players, coaches and referees as the league launches a new initiative next season.

Premier League chief Richard Scudamore this week announced plans for a campaign to stamp out criticism of officials from managers and players.

And Hodgson said: "No-one in their right mind would argue against it. Of course we should have a respect campaign.

"But maybe one day there will be a campaign for the public also to show some respect.

"The last person who went out on a limb to demand respect from the public was Brian Clough and at the time he was such a strong and authoritative figure that everyone got behind it.

"But I don't think football matches are nicer places these days to take your family and I don't think some fans believe they need to show respect to anybody — players, coaches, referees or anyone."

Scudamore's proposed campaign would focus on the behaviour of players and coaches - but Hodgson believes it should be broadened.

"We talk about what we've got to do for the fans to make sure our game is clean as it can be for them and I am 100 per cent behind that," he said.

"But maybe one day there will be a bit more of a campaign for the fans.

"Maybe we will say 'what about you? Are you going to show a bit more respect to referees or are you going to abuse him cruelly every time he makes a wrong decision and try to get over the barriers to punch him in the ear as he walks down the tunnel?'

"It's not just coaches and players that have to show respect. Maybe it should be widened to the whole of football.

"Maybe it would be nice one day if the fans were a bit kinder, as maybe they were in the past." Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson questioned the value of the new crackdown, claiming there is no lack of respect towards referees from managers.

Manchester United boss Ferguson, who picked up a five-match touchline ban last month for his comments about referee Martin Atkinson, insists there is no lack of respect for match officials.

Ferguson said: "Richard Scudamore doesn't have a lot to do.

"He is trying to elevate the Premier League. That is good. That is his job.

"But I feel he is jumping off a high diving board here without thinking about it. It is not an issue for me.

"I don't think managers disrespect referees. I got done for what I considered a fair comment.

"They gave me a five-match ban, that's fine. That doesn't mean I don't respect referees."

Scudamore, due to give evidence to the Parliamentary inquiry into football governance on Tuesday, announced the new measures following a meeting of chairmen.