ONE of the most enduring images of the beautiful game’s recent history is that of a huddle of snarling Manchester United players chasing a seemingly petrified Andy D’Urso across the Old Trafford turf.

The referee’s crime was daring to do the unthinkable - award a penalty to the visiting team.

Leading the angry pack is a shaven-headed Roy Keane, the Irishman apoplectic with rage. The blood vessels in his neck look ready to burst.

While Keane won countless admirers for his unflinching determination and dedication to the cause, he also earnt contempt for his apparent disrespect for the officials.

When Town’s boss made his first foray into management at Sunderland, observers could have been forgiven for assuming he would become a touchline version of the player who terrorised opponents, team-mates and referees in equal measure.

And while he may rule the dressing room with the same ferocity with which he ruled Manchester United’s midfield, Keane is an outspoken advocate of revering the authority of the men in black.

His post-match thoughts rarely, if ever, turn the spotlight of accusation on the referee or linesmen – instead he seems only willing to discuss his own team’s shortcomings.

Keane’s approach is refreshing.

Supporters have long since grown tired of listening to their club’s manager blaming others for their own failings.

What’s more, a generation of impressionable youngsters have grown up thinking such behaviour is acceptable - the vitriol spewed at referees on park pitches across the country is a by-product of Match of the Day’s post-match video nasty catalogue.

Town’s manager has taken a different approach, even going so far as to urge his peers to respect the officials.

During his stint as Sunderland boss, Keane said: “I know it might sound crazy, but I do believe a lot of people are putting too much pressure on the referees.

"The referees are full-time now and they are aware of the pressures involved. It is the same for managers, for players, for chairmen.

"I do not really speak about referees after the game. You need a cooling off period.”

West Ham’s Gianfranco Zola is another to adopt the referee-friendly angle, despite his club’s perilous position in the Premier League.

Compare the Italian to the perpetually grumpy Sam Allardyce, who greets nearly every defeat with complaints over “key decisions”.

It’s may be a pipe dream, but I hope others follow the lead of Keane and Zola.

It would certainly make Match of the Day a more enjoyable experience.