A sports campaigner believes the alleged assault of a referee in Ballyforan last week highlights the need for change at pitch side.
Antonio Mantero is the founder of Silent Sidelines, an initiative which asks parents, coaches and spectators to keep talking to a minimum during games.
He claims an emphasis on the need to win every match is resulting in referees getting abuse and the Dublin native believes clubs should adopt a ''Let Them Play" approach without interference.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show, Antonio explains the concept of a silent sideline weekend:
So basically, it's a weekend and it's there to highlight these types of incidents and to highlight there is a better way and if you stand back away from the action and not get so emotionally involved that the game in itself is better for the children and the game itself will be better for you and you will enjoy the experience a lot more.
It's a weekend when children will play their game and coaches and parents scream or shout instructions from the sideline and they need to stand back and watch the game and allow it to happen in a natural manner.
