HC Deb 20 October 2003 vol 411 c404W
Bob Russell

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport what representations she has made to(a) the Football Association and (b) the Football League about violent behaviour by professional footballers during matches; and if she will make a statement. [132835]

Mr. Caborn

Professional footballers have a duty to ensure that their behaviour on the field of play is of the highest standard. I wrote to the chairmen of all 92 league clubs before the start of the 2002–03 season to remind them of their responsibilities.

Since then, I have discussed the issues raised by player misbehaviour, and the responses of the football authorities, on a number of occasions during my regular and informal meetings with the management teams of the Premier and Football leagues.