OK, so we can't HEAR what they are saying, but it doesn't take a qualified lip-reader to get the message from aggrieved footballers who don't give a damn about the example they're setting to young fans.

Last weekend's FA Cup ties provided a depressingly-rich and numerous assortment of not-so-choice expletives, which nowadays all seem to be ignored unless aimed directly at the referee, linesmen, or other officials off the pitch.

You can say that adults are capable of taking all this in their stride, but exposing children to such bog-low standards should not be welcomed by anyone.

We all know the society-wrecking result of youngsters losing respect for authority and other people (plus themselves), and it's not good enough for the FA to shrug its shoulders and concentrate on making more money.

A colleague told me this week of a recent, robustly-played junior league match in which a 10-year-old boy was fouled.

He kept his feet and the referee played the advantage rule and let him continue his go-for-goal attempt.

But he lost control of the ball, and then turned to launch a foul-mouthed, four-letter tirade at the ref.

The boy was hauled off by his manager, but not before giving a vigorous V-sign to the abused official.

The boy was substituted and given a gentle, touchline talking-to before he apologised (very reluctantly) to the referee.

He was then allowed back on the pitch.

To me, that incident spelled out much of what is wrong with the way we treat erring youngsters these days — all talk and no action.

That boy should have been banned from the rest of the game, and for at least another one after that.

On a wider perspective, no wonder kids think they can (and do) commit anti-social acts and get away with it.

Going back to televised games, the FA have finally come to accept video evidence of fouls not spotted by the referee or linesmen.

Good, but let's take it a stage further and use such means to nail players who can't keep their mouths shut at the right time.

If "celebrating" footballers are now booked for taking off their shirts, then there should also be a penalty for not keeping their obnoxious language hidden .