Staffordshire FA and Stoke City reinforced the FA’s ‘Respect’ campaign and Staffordshire FA’s ‘Respect The Armband’ campaign at the Potters’ home fixture against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Both teams, all match officials and matchday mascots wore the ‘Respect’ t-shirts before the game to show the importance of showing respect across all aspects of the game.

The ‘Respect’ programme was launched in 2008 in response to concerns at deteriorating behaviour at all levels of football. When launched, it was acknowledged that persistence would be required to tackle the problems that football faces and for the ‘Respect’ measures to have an impact.

Alex Scott, Staffordshire FA Workforce Officer, said: “Over 30% of referees in Staffordshire are under the age of 18, so it’s vitally important that we continue to relay the respect message on a daily basis. Thanks to Stoke City and Sheffield United for their support in showing the importance of our campaign.”