Prince William blasted cheating footballers on Saturday and vowed to stamp out the “deplorable scenes that have blighted our game”.
William, the president of England’s Football Association governing body, presented honours for sportsmanship ahead of the FA Cup final at Wembley.
“Unfashionable as the word may sound, sportsmanship underpins everything good and worthwhile about our national game,” said the 27-year-old, who is second in line to the throne.
“What is so important about these Respect and Fair Play Awards is that they acknowledge and reward those who play fair and encourage fair play – true sportsmen and women.
“Everything about why I wanted to become president of the Football Association is encapsulated by what the winners this afternoon represent.
“Whilst I remain president of the FA, promoting sportsmanship and stamping out the deplorable scenes that have blighted our game in the past will be my goal.”
Results for 2009/10 have shown that in the English professional game, dissent cautions were slightly down on figures from the same period in 2008/09.
William said there would be “no guesses” as to who he would support in the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and English champions Chelsea — the prince is an Aston Villa fan.
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