Time to protect refs, says Chelsea's Terry

Chelsea defender John Terry (R) clashes with Sunderland forward Roy O'Donovan during their Premier league football match at The Sadium Of Light, March 15. Terry has backed plans to curb dissent against refereeseven if it requires changing the rules of the game

Chelsea captain John Terry has backed plans to curb dissent against referees even if it requires changing the rules of the game

Terry, who also skippers England, said he was in favour of a rule change which would only allow team captains to speak to officials over contentious decisions on the pitch.

His comments came in the wake of the incident in his side's 4-4 draw with Tottenham which saw teammate Ashley Cole turn his back on referee Mike Riley after he had booked him for a wild tackle on Alan Hutton.

It is time for the English Football Association to get rid of mass confrontations between players and referees, he believes.

"I do agree there has to be a line drawn and confronting the referee has to be taken out of the game," said Terry.

"I think we have to give it a go and if it doesn't work then the FA and the officials have to say that. But we have to try these things.''

Terry came under fire for running over to Riley when he saw the Tottenham staff react angrily to Cole's challenge on Wednesday night. But Terry played down suggestions he was trying to influence the official.

"I saw their bench jump up and I ran forward to tell Mike Riley not to listen or be intimidated by their bench trying to force him into a decision," explained Terry.

"I spoke to him and he told me 'It was a high tackle and it was going to be a booking', I agreed and walked away.

"There was no argument from me or anyone else close to Mike Riley and I thought he handled it fantastically well.

"Us players have got to set an example to the younger kids playing the game and people watching. But it is a natural reaction when a tackle is made.

"The fans show their frustration and whistle at the referee and the players have that same reaction because we are all so passionate about the game."