UEFA president Michel Platini has insisted the lack of respect shown to referees is a worldwide problem not confined to British football.

The most powerful man in European football can, however, understand why players react in the wrong manner to match officials.

"It is not just England, it is the same all over the world of football," said Platini.

With high-profile incidents involving Chelsea's Ashley Cole and Javier Mascherano of Liverpool last week, players are now under the microscope more than ever.

But Platini admits he, too, once had an attitude problem with officials when he was at the beginning of his career.

"I very much like the position of the referee. To me he is the leader on the pitch and he has to remain in control," continued Platini.

"But I remember when I was younger I had the same attitude towards the referee that we have seen recently.

"When the referee would allow me to do whatever I wanted at the beginning of my career it was not good for me, and especially not good for the spectators watching the game.

"I didn't respect that referee though. I then didn't speak to him until years later when I had a drink with him.

"But when the referee was able to tell me not to do something I respected them and I knew what I couldn't do and it makes the game better for everyone."