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EVERTON FC: BOSS WANTS MUTUAL RESPECT

/noticias.info/ David Moyes believes improving the level of respect for match officials in football should be a two-way street.

Everton boast the best disciplinary record in the Premier League and, until a few weeks ago, were the only side in the top flight not to have a player cautioned this term for dissent.

Respect for match officials from players and managers has become a hot topic this week following the Ashley Cole incident in Chelsea's 4-4 draw with Tottenham at White Hart Lane in midweek.

The England international was guilty of committing a nasty foul on Alan Hutton that earned him a booking - but the dissent he showed referee Mike Riley in the aftermath has led to media focus on the issue.

The Goodison chief believes players and managers can do more to eradicate unsavoury displays of dissent. But he has also suggested the FA should equally work harder to ensure there is mutual respect throughout the game, highlighting comments from the FA relating to 'frivolous' appeals against dismissals as examples of the governing body setting the wrong tone.

He told evertonfc.com: "It is important we respect referees but I have seen a few incidents recently where the FA haven't shown respect to clubs when making decisions. For instance, using the word frivolous or rarely saying sorry. As a Club, we have asked for decisions to be reviewed where we believe the referee has made a mistake but very rarely do they apologise or admit an error."

Moyes has certainly done his part to improve the reputation of the game, with Everton's fine disciplinary record leading by example.

He continues: "It is something we have worked to improve on and it is a good thing. We are keen to do it right and we have tried to do something about it.

"We don't want diving, we want the players to get on with it. Hopefully referees have seen that.

"That doesn't mean we don't complain, you should be able to complain if things have gone against you. But it must be done in the right way."

However, Moyes does point out he believes that, in general, the relationship between players and referees is good.

He continues: "Players and referees are very good. We understand the job they do and vice versa.

"We have been disappointed with some of the standards this season and it has to come from the top. The standards are set by the leader. The manager takes criticism for his team and there is a team of referees who maybe haven't done as well as they should have done.

"But there is a lot of scrutiny on them and they have to make split-second decisions. I do feel for them at times."

To see the manager's pre-match press conference, visit evertonTV now. notas_de_prensa_archivo