By Richard Murphy Edited by Peter Cordi
The campaign of respect towards officials and fellow players has been a long-running scheme that never actually seems to be getting anywhere. The modern day footballer, whether it's the world they are living in, where from a very young age, they receive whatever they desire, or it's simply just a case of not caring about anything or anyone around him, has absolutely no respect for authority or even fellow professionals.
Three cases recently have brought this issue to light especially:
Firstly, the lack of respect towards officials was highlighted during a game between Chelsea and PSG. Following a foul from Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Oscar, which most probably deserved a yellow card at most, nine Chelsea players surrounded the referee and basically intimidated the official into showing a red card. The only players not demonstrating were the goalkeeper (Courtois) and Oscar, who was still on the floor. Many controversial decisions are argued by players but it is usually just the captain and the player who committed the foul or the player was fouled. These seemingly new tactics of trying to influence the referee to this degree are definitely something that needs addressing before the issue gets out of control. How do we stop this trend? A yellow card is an easy option; players will soon calm themselves down.
The second case again involved a referee. Angel Di Maria was given a yellow card for diving, when he tried to remonstrate with the referee, he actually grabbed the referee's shirt. A red card was instantly shown but still the fact remains that Di Maria put his hands on an official. This highlights two downsides in the game today- the hands on the official and the ever increasing problem of simulation or diving. The referee's have a difficult enough job without the added pressure of trying to determine whether a player is trying to con him or not. It isn't a new problem, of course. Players have been doing this for years, but the problem does seem to be escalating beyond control.
The third recent case involved two players spitting at each other. Evans (Manchester United) and Cisse (Newcastle United) have since been given six and seven game bans for their actions, respectively, but in a world where sports stars, especially footballers, are looked up to by most youngsters, and in some cases idolized, what example does this give them? Children won't understand the bans given to the players but they will see the spitting and deem it acceptable.
Apart from extremely rare cases, should officials and fellow professionals be treated in such a manner? The word 'RESPECT' is commonly used throughout the sporting world but sadly lacking more and more in football. With the youth of today growing up in the culture where their heroes show such deplorable actions on the pitch what can be done to rectify the issue? Is there a where back or is the honour and respect gone from the beautiful game forever?
The campaign of respect towards officials and fellow players has been a long-running scheme that never actually seems to be getting anywhere. The modern day footballer, whether it's the world they are living in, where from a very young age, they receive whatever they desire, or it's simply just a case of not caring about anything or anyone around him, has absolutely no respect for authority or even fellow professionals.
Three cases recently have brought this issue to light especially:
Firstly, the lack of respect towards officials was highlighted during a game between Chelsea and PSG. Following a foul from Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Oscar, which most probably deserved a yellow card at most, nine Chelsea players surrounded the referee and basically intimidated the official into showing a red card. The only players not demonstrating were the goalkeeper (Courtois) and Oscar, who was still on the floor. Many controversial decisions are argued by players but it is usually just the captain and the player who committed the foul or the player was fouled. These seemingly new tactics of trying to influence the referee to this degree are definitely something that needs addressing before the issue gets out of control. How do we stop this trend? A yellow card is an easy option; players will soon calm themselves down.
The second case again involved a referee. Angel Di Maria was given a yellow card for diving, when he tried to remonstrate with the referee, he actually grabbed the referee's shirt. A red card was instantly shown but still the fact remains that Di Maria put his hands on an official. This highlights two downsides in the game today- the hands on the official and the ever increasing problem of simulation or diving. The referee's have a difficult enough job without the added pressure of trying to determine whether a player is trying to con him or not. It isn't a new problem, of course. Players have been doing this for years, but the problem does seem to be escalating beyond control.
The third recent case involved two players spitting at each other. Evans (Manchester United) and Cisse (Newcastle United) have since been given six and seven game bans for their actions, respectively, but in a world where sports stars, especially footballers, are looked up to by most youngsters, and in some cases idolized, what example does this give them? Children won't understand the bans given to the players but they will see the spitting and deem it acceptable.
Apart from extremely rare cases, should officials and fellow professionals be treated in such a manner? The word 'RESPECT' is commonly used throughout the sporting world but sadly lacking more and more in football. With the youth of today growing up in the culture where their heroes show such deplorable actions on the pitch what can be done to rectify the issue? Is there a where back or is the honour and respect gone from the beautiful game forever?