Sir Trevor Brooking insists Kenny Dalglish's blast at Arsene Wenger was "totally different" to the one that got Wayne Rooney into trouble.
Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, called for action to be taken against Rooney after his actions during the Premier League clash at West Ham.
Liverpool boss Dalglish was picked up on camera making comments towards Arsenal counterpart Wenger after Sunday's 1-1 draw at the Emirates Stadium.
But Brooking believes it does not deserve to be talked about in the same way as Rooney's tirade.
He said: "It was totally different (from Rooney). The reaction straight into the camera (from Rooney) was the difference.
"I can understand why the incident at the West Ham match led to action being taken but in this one I don't think there is any comparison.
"Wherever I've been since the West Ham-Manchester United game, I don't think I've met anyone who thought it was anything other than the right decision."
Brooking believes clarification is needed regarding any such incidents in future so there is no room for dispute.
He said: "What we have to do is get all stakeholders - the Premier League, Football League, PFA [Professional Footballers' Association] and LMA [League Managers' Association] - on the same hymnsheet.
"I'd like to feel you can get to a stage where everyone just accepts the decision rather than muddying the waters.
"If anyone is still unsure why the action was taken then we should clarify it so that it's consistent.
"There has to be a clear understanding. Clarification would help us avoid a continued debate."
Brooking reckons it is unfair to point the finger at big stars such as Rooney when people discuss a perceived lack of respect in football.
He said: "We are always conscious as managers and players that what is reflected at the weekend in the professional game is an issue.
"I do understand that high-profile figures do have a responsibility.
"On my travels with grassroots football, you get people saying 'you've got to improve that sort of thing' - and we will try to improve it.
"But I also think it is important from the grassroots level that you set your own standards.
"If you are running a team, I'd like to think the people involved will set those standards.
"I think sometimes we use someone else's behaviour as an excuse not to behave properly ourselves."
