FORMER Saints star Gordon Watson is leading the way in a bid to stamp out abuse of referees at grass-roots level.

The ex-Dell favourite is getting tough on the Townhill Emperors under-11 side he manages in the Tyro Youth League.

Watson is substituting his players who shout abuse at referees - an action he admits is hyprocritical given his own childhood attitude.

But he is a fervent supporter of the Daily Echo's Respect the Ref campaign and hopes other teams among the huge Tyro League structure follow his example.