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Collina, who was in charge of the 2002 World Cup final
between Brazil and Germany, said it is a "real threat" when
match officials face verbal and physical abuse in amateur
football.
"It's a worldwide problem that we need to consider and we need
to take (action) as soon as possible," Collina told Sky Sports.
"We have a huge number of referees working every weekend in
grassroots and amateur football. At this level there is
something as a threat; it's a physical threat of violence.
"Unfortunately, at this level, instead of paying huge respect
for these unknown heroes... they are abused verbally, physically
sometimes, this is a real threat."
Collina welcomed initiatives to improve behavior towards the
officials.
"Many national associations have launched a campaign, the FA did
something like this, also UEFA and FIFA are promoting respect,
not only towards referees but football," the 57-year-old Italian
added.
"I know that it won't be easy but something has to be done.
Certainly top football has to give grassroots football the
correct message."
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; editing by Sudipto
Ganguly)
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