UK Football

By Pete Oliver

BLACKBURN, England, Aug 12 (Reuters) - Premier League captains vowed on Tuesday to help improve footballers' behaviour as they prepare for another high-pressure season this weekend.

Skippers will be given more responsibility for their teams' discipline under a Premier League initiative launched on Tuesday, dubbed "Get on with the game" and mirroring a similar move last week by the Football Association.

Newcastle captain and goalkeeper Shay Given told a news conference: "In the heat of the moment, everybody can get carried away.

"But it's important that we respect referees and opponents. And it's important for us as professionals to give a good example."

Fulham captain Danny Murphy echoed that view, saying: "It's up to us as a group of players to move forward and make sure we are responsible for our actions on the pitch."

Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky added: "It's up to the players to show more respect to referees."

Chelsea's John Terry, who has also captained England, admitted that he has not always led by example, but made it clear that he backed the initiative.

"I hold my hands up and say that at times I have over-stepped the mark. But we are here to move forward. This is a step in the right direction," he said.

"It's down to us as a group of players and referees to get a consistent base.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY

"It's going to be a continuing relationship (with referees). We are looking to move it forward and I think we can. It's down to me to take responsibility for my team mates before they get that booking."

Along with managers or coaches, captains will meet with the referee when handing in team sheets before a match and will liaise with the official during a game if a player's conduct is causing concern.

Players and officials from all 20 Premier League clubs will adhere to a new charter of acceptable conduct.

"I think the idea is terrific. It's designed to cut out excesses and that's what we are trying to do," said Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill.

"Everybody is signed up to make it work and it will be great if it does."

In an effort to reduce potential conflict between managers and officials, television monitors are also to be withdrawn from technical areas. Managers, like the players, have pledged not to criticise or question the integrity of match officials or managers and players from the opposition.