PARENTS are being banned from cheering their kids at FA youth soccer matches this weekend â to shield the youngsters from abuse.
English footballâs rulers have been accused of going woke by calling for only polite applause from the touchline at games.
It follows the unveiling of the first National Silent Support Weekend which organisers hope will reduce pressure on players and referees.
This scheme urges spectators to let youngsters âmake mistakes and make their own decisionsâ without being harassed and to clap good play.
The idea was devised amid fears youth league fans, and players, were picking up bad habits from watching Premier League matches.
Anyone in breach of the FAâs Respect Codes of Conduct âmay be asked to leave the venue or asked not to attend future gamesâ.
Yet clubs say poorly behaving spectators will ignore the initiative.
Alan Moore, director of youth club Sedgley and Gornal United FC in the West Mids, said: âI applaud any initiative to stop some of the crazy behaviour Iâve seen, but this isnât it.
I donât care if itâs woke or nannying, I just know itâll take more than this gesture to solve the problem.â
He said the club had just filed a complaint on a pitch invader mum who swore at an under-ten over a tackle.
He said: âI doubt people like that will be changing their ways because the FA says so.â
Terry Humphreys, club secretary of Redbridge United Boys FC in Essex, said: âIâve been involved in grassroots football for 35 years and I doubt this will change attitudes.
Iâve seen youth games abandoned because of the terrible behaviour of supporters.
âThe aggression we see on Âtouchlines is bad for the players and stops them learning the game and for young referees who get a lot of stick.
Iâm not sure what the Silent Support idea will achieve but itâs worth a shot.â
FA boss Mark Bullingham said the plan would help kids focus on their game with no distractions.
