THE disgraceful scenes witnessed in the recent Manchester United and Arsenal game was yet another example of the declining standards of behaviour now infiltrating the national game. It's sad to see and is ruining the enjoyment for the fans.

Players are role models, so when they behave like common thugs, what chance is there for the next generation?

For the game to move forward, everybody must play their part. Referees, managers, players and administrators. At present, however, there do seem to be splits. Only recently the referees were complaining about the directives handed out by their supremo, Philip Don, saying they were too rigid.

Burnley boss Stan Ternent himself backed this up with his comments that refs would like to officiate games with a more common sense approach and be more flexible on the pitch.

But it's not only at the top level that problems arise.

The referee in a recent mini derby game between Liverpool and Everton reserves was a good example. Every tackle was yellow carded. But was he just doing his job to the letter of the law? Can a player not commit a foul now without being booked? It certainly sets a precedent. As the game goes on, the chances of a second card is almost inevitable.

Everton's Peter Clarke suffered the consequences and was dismissed after just 24 minutes. Liverpool's Salif Diao followed in the second half. Common sense did not prevail, but if the referee had been too lenient would he have been marked down by the assessor in the stands and his own career put in jeopardy?

And what about the Third Division game between Cambridge and Mansfield where everybody got into the act? Mansfield's Lyseden Christie and Rhys Day were sent off, a steward was handcuffed and frog marched away by police, Mansfield boss Keith Curle was banished from the dug out and Cambridge striker Dave Kitson was also dismissed. Not the kind of game to be highlighted by the Football Association as a shining example to school kids throughout the country.

The referee has a tough job but the players have a responsibility as well.

Don't get me wrong. Aggression is a vital part in any successful side.

But would the cutting out of petty irritations really have a detrimental effect on the outcome of a game and make any team less effective?

I'm talking about the incessant arguing with officials and opponents, continual shows of dissent and retaliation and, diving. What a sad state of affairs.

Harry Potts and Jimmy Adamson drilled into us that such behaviour would not be tolerated and a fine for committing these offences would be mandatory.

Has it come to the stage where showing sportsmanship is now considered a weakness?

I hope not, for the sake of our future game.