The days of a swarm players surrounding a referee could finally be over, after a strongly-worded guide urging officials to be more stringent on dissent was released today.

Years of campaigning to get tough on aggression towards officials looks to have been finally taken on board by the Premier League, Football League and Football Association, who have jointly outlined their plans.

Players showing “visible disrespect” towards officials or confronting them “face to face” have both been commonplace in the professional game for some time; but, in theory, both will result in a yellow card for the perpetrators from the start of next season.

Running towards officials will also be punishable with a caution, while yellow cards will be dished out for even “non-aggressive” physical contact with officials, such as trying to get their attention.

Equally, officials have been asked to “retain a professional detachment” from players and club staff during games, with some known for a more friend-styled approach to refereeing.

Richard Scudamore, chairman of the Premier League, said:"Things happen in the heat of the moment during fast and highly competitive football.

"We still want to see the passion fans enjoy and demand, but players and managers have to be aware there are lines that should not be crossed.”