THE word professionalism is supposed to denote a high standard of behaviour and conduct - or at least it should.

But in the sporting arena we have all seen instances of behaviour by so-called professionals which falls a long way short of acceptable standards.

In a game like football the common use of a phrase like 'professional foul' can be seen as a sign that things are not as they should be.

And on our TV screens you don't have to be a skilled lipreader to understand the obscenities frequently mouthed by players who collect more money in a week than most of us earn in a year.

In fact the abuse hurled by Premier League "stars" at match officials and each other has got so bad that teaching unions want games screened after the 9pm watershed.

Now we hear that amateurs are imitating their professional peers by swearing so much that they are sparking complaints from people walking through parks and recreation grounds.

And one East Lancashire council is warning offenders that they will be banned from pitches if they don't watch their language.

Quite right too.

Amateur football is serious stuff and tempers do flare but nobody taking a weekend stroll should have to be assailed by a barrage of obscenities.