I RUFFLED feathers last week and for that I make no apology. My purpose was not to personalise but to make all within the game aware of their responsibilities in eradicating assaults on match officials.

This week I will tell you why we referees are increasingly the targets of violent players.

Policemen no longer rule the streets. Teachers no longer have control over their classrooms. Referees no longer receive the respect of amateur or indeed professional footballers.

In the first two professions the tools of discipline have been removed -- in short they are toothless. In our case our powers reman the same as ever.

What has changed is the way in which football referees have been treated by the media.

Anybody over the age of 30 will remember the good old days of Sunday highlights and a Monday morning newspaper colum that concentrated on the efforts of the players.

How things have changed. A multitude of cameras at all games proving that we make mistakes. Big deal! We all knew that anyway.

Experts and pundits abound and their comments belittle us constantly.

Listen to Andy Gray. A player's mistake is "unfortunate" or misguided." A referee's error is "ridiculous" or even "disgraceful." In many eyes we have become a figure of fun or disdain.

Post match briefings have become a godsend for managers. Don't need to blame the keeper any more for throwing one in to his own net. No need to blame the striker who could not hit a cow's backside with a banjo. No there's that guy in black -- that amateur ruining their game. Blame him and the chairman's off your back for another week.

Yes I'm biased but surely you can see sense when it hits you. We are getting assaulted because of a breakdown in respect and personal responsibility but also because of the way you all view us. Change your opinions soon or change your sport.