David Bernstein urges Premier League managers to clean their act up

Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein has claimed that managers of the Premier League need to improve their behaviour towards match officials.

The one-time FA chief believes that the coaches in England's top division are generally setting a "terrible example" for those who watch the game regularly with their outbursts towards referees and linesmen.

He told The Guardian: "It has been especially noticeable in recent weeks but it is an ongoing issue and it is a terrible example for their players, let alone the general public. I think it is time managers assumed a much greater level of responsibility for their behaviour.

"There need to be improvements in the areas of respect. Some fantastic work has been done but there seems to be a particular problem with the behaviour of managers.

"I have been involved with football for a long time and I do understand the pressures they are under but nevertheless, when you look at the constant protesting on the touchline, the harassing of the fourth official and the comments afterwards, it doesn't do anyone or the game any good."

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes was recently charged with improper conduct, while Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers could be handed a similar sanction for his reaction to his side's 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on Boxing Day.