Official Respect

Respect - an adjective much used in footballing parlance over these past weeks. Some people would demand or at the very least expect an element of respect for certain people or a particular quality that some one may have. However much I may sympathise with certain aspectsof such views, a big part of me says that respect has to be earned. Even the most gifted footballer you may wish to name has to show an element of humility in order to gain respect. This now brings me on to my pet hate at this moment in time. Bleedin' inconsistent referee's ! ! They are the bane of everybody who is involved in football, irrespective of what level that may be.

It's not rocket science to recognise that where there is a human element to decision making, then mistakes will be made. I believe that even in moments of desperate frustrations we somehow reluctantly accept that. But wouldn't our frustrations and momentary anger be suppressed and later eased if we saw some communication between ALL four officials during the game. If one of the officials actually condescended to speak to the media and explain why a certain decision was made, even if you still felt the official was wrong, just having an insight into his reasoning may help you with understanding what occurred.

Lets take a look at football as it stands. Player makes a mistake. Concedes a goal that may lead to a costly defeat. Faces media, apologises and explains what happened.  Manager signs a player who fails miserably and eventually goes. Manager addresses the critics and makes his excuses about his failings in transfer market. Referee awarded Cup Final or elevation to FIFA list and he talks to all and sundry about how good he is and how the decision is recognition of his ability. Terrific. Manager screws up with team selection and tactics and again faces the music and in the main will offer his excuses. Club chairman sacks manager and faces barrage of media questions. Same applies on announcing new appointment. Referee or his assistant and the fourth official get a major decision wrong. Silence. Not a bloody peep!! They hide behind the annominity afforded them by the authorities. Why? Because they are cowards.

This weekend just gone ( Birmingham a) a certain Rob Styles awarded a penalty against Jihai Sun that was so outrageously wrong, even the little Chinaman found a chuckle from deep inside himself. BBC's Mark Lawrenson desribed it as the 'worst penalty he'd ever seen'!  Other games were also affected by poor officiating and though I refuse to jump on the -'let's give refs s**t' bandwagon, I will stand up and criticise the men in the middle and co for a total lack of respect and understanding of those whose lives they have such a major impact upon.

Come down off your ego trip. Ditch your holier than thou attitude, get real and face up to your responsibilities and have the guts to explain yourselves. You may not always appease everyone but it will go a long way to moving you up the pecking order in the Respect table. If you feel fit to maintain a similar attitude to that of the 'thing from Tring' then so be it. If you wan't RESPECT  earn it.

 Geoff Stevenson

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