FA’s Respect Campaign Hits New High

LONDON - The FA’s Respect campaign hit a new high this weekend when Wayne Rooney told referee Steve Bennett to “f*ck off”. Normally such tirades from the Manchester United and England striker continue with a secondary round of tongue-lashing which, according to most officials, hardly strays far from “you cheating c*nt”, “you blind c*nt” or “you cheating blind c*nt”. Bennett admitted after the game he was expecting the “usual blind or cheating accusations”.

A representative from the FA said that they “hope this marks a turning point in football from the top tier right down to grass roots level”.

Parents at an under-10’s tournament in Accrington said they were optimistic the more respectful attitude towards officials would catch on with their youngsters. Debby, whose son Dane is a promising striker and idolises Rooney said “it has been a bit awkward when the boys tell the ref to go eff himself, I mean, the ref is only 15 himself, and it doesn’t seem fair”. Spike, a father of two identical twin full-backs, wasn’t as concerned about the Respect campaign and reflects a view held by many fans up and down the country. “If the lad is wrong, I’ll tell ‘im. Right to his face. If he makes a decision and my boys don’t win, he should be told. I don’t care if he’s 14.”

The FA aim to partially eradicate foul language with the Respect campaign, in a bid to stop Wayne Rooney pulling faces that make him look uglier than usual.