Platini joins respect debate

Platini believes respect makes 'game better for everyone'

Last updated: 26th March 2008

Michel Platini UEFA president

Platini: Wants respect

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UEFA president Michel Platini has added his views to the debate on the apparent lack of respect shown today to referees.

The issue has risen to the top of the news agenda following high-profile incidents involving Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Javier Mascherano of Liverpool last week.

But Platini admits he himself had an attitude problem with referees when he was a young player, and he believes the situation is not unique to England.

He said: "It is not just England, it is the same all over the world of football.

"I very much like the position of the referee. To me he is the leader on the pitch and he has to remain in control.

Same attitude

"But I remember when I was younger I had the same attitude towards the referee that we have seen recently.

"When the referee would allow me to do whatever I wanted at the beginning of my career it was not good for me, and especially not good for the spectators watching the game. I didn't respect that referee though.

"I then didn't speak to him until years later when I had a drink with him.

"But when the referee was able to tell me not to do something I respected them and I knew what I couldn't do and it makes the game better for everyone."

Burning issue

For Platini, he has a particular burning issue he wants to tackle in the game - educating players to remain in their home leagues for longer than they do at present, when the lure of improved wages draws them away.

He said: "We (UEFA) can't stop English clubs or anyone else from signing the players they want.

"But I would like to see clubs everywhere be able to keep the talent they have for a time but it is not easy to do that.

"That though, is my fight. We can try to educate the players."