Poll urges ref bans

The former Premier League official believes the suspensions would help tackle the problem of disrespect on the pitch that has been highlighted this season.

Poll told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I have a very simple solution - if there is clear abuse on a football field, you say that someone is going to serve a three-match ban."

"It's either going to be the player guilty of the abuse or the referee who doesn't punish him. For the referees it will be their choice, you or them."

Professional Footballers' Association chairman Chris Powell spoke about the problem in his speech during the annual PFA Awards dinner.

Powell asked for an end to the disrespect to make life easier for referees.

Poll feels there should be a total change in attitude towards officials if there are to be improvements.

He added: "It's not just referees being strong and the FA backing them, but players not showing disrespect, managers backing the strong referees and media praising referees after asking for a clampdown."