Sunderland manager Roy Keane has hit out at the "hypocrisy" of some of his Premier League colleagues over their demand for more respect for referees.
A series of high-profile incidents of officials being abused has prompted leading managers to demand protection for match referees.
But Keane told BBC Radio 5 Live: "There are a lot of hypocrites out there.
"The same bosses talking about players showing respect have been sent off themselves for abusing officials."
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano's reaction to being sent off by Steve Bennett against Manchester United last week is the latest in a succession of incidents in which officials have been confronte
Football Association director of football development Trevor Brooking launched a ?200m grassroots football scheme last week, with the aim of recruiting more referees and improving the behaviour of players on the pitch towards match officials.
And he says a fresh approach will be looked at next season in a bid to protect referees.
Meanwhile, Keane added: "I've made it clear to everyone here - from the academy to the first team - that a lack of respect towards referees will not be tolerated.
"But I've seen other managers come out and demand respect. How can the players show respect if their manager does not?"
Keane was famously heavily criticised in 1999 when, as United captain, he led the unsightly charge on referee Andy D'Urso after he awarded Middlesbrough a penalty at Old Trafford.
However, the Irishman has garnered a more reserved reputation as a manager.
A series of high-profile incidents of officials being abused has prompted leading managers to demand protection for match referees.
But Keane told BBC Radio 5 Live: "There are a lot of hypocrites out there.
"The same bosses talking about players showing respect have been sent off themselves for abusing officials."
Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano's reaction to being sent off by Steve Bennett against Manchester United last week is the latest in a succession of incidents in which officials have been confronte
Football Association director of football development Trevor Brooking launched a ?200m grassroots football scheme last week, with the aim of recruiting more referees and improving the behaviour of players on the pitch towards match officials.
And he says a fresh approach will be looked at next season in a bid to protect referees.
Meanwhile, Keane added: "I've made it clear to everyone here - from the academy to the first team - that a lack of respect towards referees will not be tolerated.
"But I've seen other managers come out and demand respect. How can the players show respect if their manager does not?"
Keane was famously heavily criticised in 1999 when, as United captain, he led the unsightly charge on referee Andy D'Urso after he awarded Middlesbrough a penalty at Old Trafford.
However, the Irishman has garnered a more reserved reputation as a manager.
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