RECORDING conversations between referees and footballers is not needed in the sport, according to Worcester City manager Carl Heeley.

Debate has been sparked after Chelsea alleged referee Mark Clattenburg used inappropriate language, including racial words, towards two of their players in last Sunday’s Premier League match against Manchester United.

It has led to calls for on-pitch dialogue to be broadcast to television viewers, as it is in rugby union.

Heeley, however, believes it is healthy for players to talk to officials without the need for microphones.

The City boss said: “For me, if a referee can have a sense of humour and some banter with a player it will be an easier relationship.”

Heeley added: “A player needs to be able to talk to a referee in the right manner and there’s nothing wrong with having a word back. If there’s a few expletives that’s OK in my eyes.”

However, Worcester Warriors head coach Richard Hill feels the system currently used in rugby union where referees wear a microphone and can be heard on the television commentaries works well.

But he admits it is successful because the players have such respect for the match officials.

Hill said: “They’ve established that discipline and when they are miced up, you can’t get away with it.

“Referees are very strict in rugby and will not take any nonsense.”