FOOTBALL, of course, is a sport which can raise great passion - that is one of its attractions.

Its critics will point, with some justification, to the death and disaster which has dogged the world's favourite game over the years, but football has done far more to unite people than divide them.

For many a life-long love of the game will have started playing for junior teams in competitions like the Mercian League, fantastic sport provided every week thanks to the hard work of clubs, officials and referees.

But do people sometimes get carried away with their passion for the game?

That is the accusation from George Silverman, chairman of the Mercian League, who has put himself in the firing line by accusing some parents of spoiling the game by giving their children the wrong type of encouragement.

In one sense, it's a credit to parents in this day and age that they are still prepared to find the time to go out and encourage their children.

But they also need to think about the example they are setting. Swearing, particularly at young referees, cannot be condoned. Without the referee, there would, after all, be no game.

Mr Silverman has asked clubs to remember the league's motto: 'Keep the fun in football'. It seems like good advice.