Chelsea the worst at respecting Premier League referees, new research reveals

Data compiled by the Football Association Fair Play representatives found Jose Mourinho's side show less respect towards referees than any other top-flight club

Their manager may not agree, but Chelsea are officially the worst team in the Premier League when it comes to respecting officials.

Football Association Fair Play representatives attend every single top-flight match, and score the teams involved depending on how they act towards referees and assistants.

Each team is then given a mark, the higher the better. In data reported by The Telegraph, the Blues had the lowest score of any of the league's 20 teams. Sunderland and Arsenal complete the top three.

At the other end of the spectrum, Liverpool are the best at showing respect to referees. They're followed by Burnley and West Brom.

The news will come as a blow to Jose Mourinho's theory that his team are always treated harshly by referees - the figures suggest the opposite is actually true and that referees should perhaps be given some slack by Chelsea's players.

Teams are marked out of seven for their attitudes towards the officials. On the Premier League's website it says: "A positive attitude, including the acceptance of doubtful decisions without protest, will be rewarded with high marks. Normal behaviour without any particular positive attitudes or gestures towards match officials is likely to receive a score of 6 rather than 7."

Respect shown towards Premier League officials this season (higher score = more respectful)

 

1. Chelsea - 159
2. Sunderland - 161
3. Arsenal - 167
4. Stoke City - 167
5. Aston Villa - 168
6. Hull City - 168
7. Tottenham - 170
8. Swansea City - 171
9. Leicester City - 172
10. Southampton - 172
11. Everton - 172
12. Manchester United - 173
13. QPR - 175
14. Newcastle United - 175
15. Manchester City - 176
16. Crystal Palace - 176
17. West Ham - 176
18. West Brom - 179
19. Burnley – 179
20. Liverpool - 181