Who would be a football referee?

With all the abuse they suffer, it is not surprising that some parts of the country suffer a severe shortage of officials.

The position in Oxfordshire is healthier than elsewhere - and football bosses are determined to keep it that way, by giving referees extra protection.

Leagues are being urged to follow the lead of the Sport Italia Hellenic in a zero tolerance policy, where players can be sent off and reported for foul language.

Moves to clean up the game and stamp out bad behaviour at all levels are long overdue.