The Football Association claim more than 7,000 referees quit the game every year blaming abuse received from players and spectators.

Now the FA are fighting back with a nationwide initiative called Respect, a programme backed by the Kent Messenger Group as we launch our Don’t Blame The Ref campaign.

The time has come for football to clean up its act and take responsibility for its actions before losing the officials from the game for good.

Pivotal to the success of the FA’s programme in Kent will be John Newson, the KCFA’s first full-time Referees’ Development Officer, who welcomed the Messenger’s involvement.

“I’m so pleased the KM Group have wanted to get involved in something so fundamental to the game’s long-term health,” he said.

“I believe the FA have come up with a brilliant idea with the Respect programme because the big winner is the game itself.

“It cannot, and must not, be allowed to fail because I don’t know where the game would go.

“I’ve been surprised and delighted by the number of leagues in Kent to have signed up for the programme. Thirteen are on board, including the Bulmers Cider Kent League and Vandanel Kent County League.

“I expected a good response from youth leagues but confess to being surprised and delighted by the number of adult competitions who have signed up.

“What’s important to realise is that Respect is not just about players showing referees respect but referees showing players respect. So it’s not all one way.”

The FA’s respect programme is designed to ensure a safe, positive environment for everyone to enjoy football and will impact in the following areas: