The Premier League yesterday launched its 'Get on with the Game' scheme, aiming to end the abuse dished out by players and managers to officials.

It is a problem that has been on the increase in recent seasons.

Keane was no angel during his days as Manchester United skipper, as plenty of referees will testify, but since taking over as Sunderland boss he has made sure his players show officials the respect they deserve.

The Irishman said: "I was at a League Managers' Association meeting a couple of weeks ago at which this was discussed and I think it is a good initiative.

"I think it needs to be done because we've seen enough examples over the last year or two of disrespect towards officials.

"I can only speak for my players, but it is something we won't tolerate and the players know that.

"For me, referees have the hardest job in the game and sometimes they get some unfair abuse, whether it be off players or the fans or managers and coaches.

"We have to respect them a lot more and this new initiative can only be good for the game."

The campaign will see team captains meet the referee before every match and those skippers will also be given increased responsibility for controlling their teammates during the game.

Abuse by managers and coaching staff will also be tackled, with all TV monitors removed from the dugouts to avoid referees being put under pressure during the match if television replays expose a mistake.

The 'Get on with the Game' initiative was launched simultaneously at three different venues yesterday, with representatives from each of the 20 Premiership clubs involved.

Sunderland skipper Dean Whitehead, Newcastle's Shay Given and Middlesbrough's Julio Arca were at Washington's Millennium Centre for the north east launch.

The other launches took place in London and Blackburn.

Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore said: "Premier League clubs and players do so much to inspire and excite and generally fans and the media are talking about the great goals and moments of skill in the Barclays Premier League.

"At times though, and this came into sharp public focus last season, incidents crop up where the mark is overstepped and player and manager behaviour can become unacceptable.

"The referees have a responsibility too. In forging better relationships with team captains, and the other players and by communicating their decisions in the right way, it will help the players and that will make the game better for everyone – fans included."