Prince William vows to stamp out cheats in football

PRINCE William sent out a stern warning to footballing cheats as he spoke of his determination to stamp out "deplorable scenes that have blighted our game".

The Aston Villa fan presented honours for sportsmanship and fairness before taking his seat at Wembley to watch the FA Cup final.

Speaking at the Respect and Fair Play Awards ceremony, William, president of the Football Association, welcomed the reduction of foul play at every level of the game.

"Unfashionable as the word may sound, sportsmanship underpins everything good and worthwhile about our national game," he said. "What is so important about the Respect and Fair Play Awards is that they acknowledge and reward those who play fair and encourage fair play – true sportsmen and women.

"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."