Former Football Association chairman David Bernstein has been criticised by the League Managers Association for accusing managers of setting a poor example to players.
Bernstein said on Tuesday that coaches in the Premier League are setting a "terrible example" with their behaviour towards referees and linesmen.
"We believe the comments are misguided, and unhelpful. It is important to recognise that managers in professional football contribute significantly to the success of the game both on and off the field," read a LMA statement.
"Having spent their lives dedicated to the game, they value it, are committed to seeing it continue to grow and to contribute to its future direction.
"It is particularly sad therefore, to find David Bernstein celebrating his CBE by engaging in a megaphone commentary from the sidelines, taking a unilateral swipe at managers, having wholly failed to engage, in any meaningful way, with the LMA and its members during his tenure as FA chairman."
Bernstein was FA chairman between 2011 and 2013.
Steven Toplis
