Time for players to accept referee decisions, says Vieira

LONDON (Reuters) - Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira said on Wednesday the relationship between players, referees and fans needs to change because referees are becoming too scared to make crucial decisions in matches.

The French international, 31 later this month, has been sent off at least 12 times in his senior career -- including two red cards in successive matches during his time with Arsenal -- and admitted that he had not always helped the referee's cause.

However, he added: "We, as players, have an important role to play, to really accept the referee's decisions."

Vieira told the Web site www.feelfootball.com: "(Players) are human beings, we have feelings, and of course sometimes we regret the way in which we have acted.

"I've been in that situation before in England when I reacted badly, but when you see it replayed on the TV, you think 'that's not me -- that's unbelievable'".

Despite his previous problems with the authorities he said there should be more interaction between players and the match officials.

"Referees are quite isolated in comparison to players. There is pressure they receive from the fans, the public and the players, so the job of the referee is becoming really hard.

"There should be more interaction off the pitch between referees and players, players and fans, fans and referees, so that everybody feels more comfortable and we understand each other.

"I feel now as if the referee is going on to the pitch afraid to make a decision -- afraid even to be a referee.