Referees have been instructed to report any “abuse or threatening language” they receive during matches, according to the chairman of the GAA’s Referee Development Committee.

High profile managers such as Kieran McGeeney, Davy Fitzgerald and Turlough O’Brien have been hit with suspensions so far this year and Willie Barrett says the men in the middle have been told to crack down on individuals that overstep the mark.

“We are very clear on this - we want and have encouraged our referees to report any issue of abuse or threatening language,” the Tipperary man informed RTE.ie.

"There have been a few incidents this year and they have been well documented. We have to show leadership from the top because I have often heard before at club games that Croke Park aren’t doing enough about this.

"We want to ensure that the logo on referees’ jerseys is honoured - give respect, get respect."

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