Referee abuse is getting out of hand – a drastic change is needed
Liverpool coach Jürgen Klopp stands on the side lines screaming after a referee’s decision. His baseball cap almost falling off his head due to the rage – probably a not too unusual situation for the common football fan. However, in this situation all his anger is directed at the assistant referee.
“In the end probably deserved”, was the 55-year-old’s response to his red card after the incident in the game against Manchester City. “In this moment, something switched off. I’m not proud of that but it is the clearest foul I have seen in front of the linesman.”
We as fans of the game all love Klopp’s emotional commitment and his fiery temper at every match. You could say he mirrors many of our reactions. But this specific behaviour does not only hurt the reputation of referees, but also sets a bad example for other coaches, players, and fans. By celebrating his anger in situations like this it makes the action seem acceptable and encourages others to follow.
It starts at the grassroots
After all we must not ignore the impact referee abuse in the Premier League has on grassroots football. According to Football Association disciplinary reports for the 2021-22 season, 380 players and coaches received bans “for attacking or threatening referees and match officials in English grassroots football last season”.
As a response to the report the Merseyside Youth Football League postponed more than 70 games in protest against the treatment towards officials. Keith Radcliffe, a senior referee in the league explains: “It’s parents, managers, coaches. They constantly bombard officials with a must-win attitude and say ‘you’ve got it wrong’. They all want to have the next Messi and Ronaldo, because they couldn’t be.”
As stated in the BBC article, the problem starts in teams with players at a young age. Many parents get too invested in the game and drag their children along into first verbal debates and even fights with referees.
Players and coaches have to remind themselves and be aware of the impact their actions can have. As Brentford coach Thomas Frank stated at the press conference ahead of the game against Chelsea: “I think we need to be role models for grassroots football, be very aware of what we are doing out there.”
Football is just a game, abuse is not
In the end, we must remind ourselves that this is just a game, not war minus the shooting. And it is a game for low league grassroots football, for semi-professional football. Also, in the Premier League … just a game – although with a lot more money involved. But still – a game.
Grassroots football in England is currently on the verge of igniting a nation-wide strike while in professional football everything stays the same.
There must be consequences. I am not talking about a suspension of one or two games for the players or coaches but an actual rule change. A difference can only be made if a suspension hurts the team and make sure it doesn’t happen again. We have to hit managers where it hurts. Points deductions would keep them in line.
Toxic masculinity is part of the problem
And of course, referees make mistakes. Even in situations like this, players and coaches have to control their emotions. Respecting each other should be self-evident and no construct of toxic masculinity should interfere with basic humanity.
Football has always been highly emotional– and fans love that about the sport, but there are limits to that. You can scream, be angry, or be unhappy about a referee decision – the art is to package these emotions correctly.
The change should start with players and coaches acknowledging their mistakes and apologising officially. The next step would be not to let it get that far next time and to take a step back. As in other cases, others will follow this example so that change can be brought about.
Klopp accepted the red card but did not apologise for his behaviour.
Doing so would be just the start.
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