Saints have been warned that Premier League clubs could see a spate of red and yellow cards at the start of the season as the football authorities have a crackdown on indiscipline, and particularly abuse received by officials.

Saints picked up more red cards than any other top flight side last season, and were the fourth worse team in the division overall for bookings and sending offs.

Not one player has been sent off in the Premier League for insulting or abusive language towards a match official in the last five seasons, but that could change, unless they quickly accept and adapt.

The Premier League, Football Association and English Football League say they are seeking to reinforce laws.

The grassroots-to-elite initiative is unnamed, but has been a topic of discussions for a year and has support from the Professional Football Association and the League Managers' Association.

And referees' chief Mike Riley warned there could be plenty of cards for teams who don’t adhere to the rules.

He said: "Where you've seen similar re-calibrations in the past, it takes a while for people to adjust."

Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore added: "We're looking to make a step change in the way our participants behave and how they are seen around the world.

"This is about players, about managers, and about referees.

"It starts with applying the laws of the game. There is no law change. The laws of the game allow for this to be managed."

Scudamore, who revealed the Premier League will for the first time meet all clubs prior to the season starting, added: "If participant behaviour doesn't improve, then there will be more yellow and red cards.

"The game has put a huge effort into education, to try to ensure we don't have this extra spate of yellow and red cards.

"But the game is prepared if we have them. The clubs are committed and we are committed to see this through."

English Football League chief executive Shaun Harvey added: "We believe that this initiative, which is essentially us, the football family, demonstrating support for match officials... will help protect and enhance the image of our game."

Harvey also announced that Championship clubs have agreed to make a contribution to ensure full-time officials operate in the second tier.

Scenes of players, coaches and managers surrounding match officials, including physical contact, yelling abuse and poor conduct in technical areas in elite matches can be copied in age-group football.

FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: "That mimicry factor, the poor behaviour is picked up. We all believe we've got a responsibility for promoting the game in its wider sense."

Incidents which have shown the need for the whole-game approach include Leicester striker Jamie Vardy abusing referee Jonathan Moss in April and the fracas in May's Chelsea-Tottenham clash at Stamford Bridge.

Contact with match officials can result in a yellow or red card - it is a sending-off offence if it is in an aggressive or confrontational manner.

Match officials will also be told to avoid appearing to be over familiar with players and coaches, by embracing them, for example.

Riley said officials will be told to retain a professional detachment from players and club staff at all times.

Saints will be optimistic of a better disciplinary record next season with Victor Wanyama, who collected half of the six red cards last season, having departed the club this summer.

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