Subbed For Swearing
Posted by Nik Myles on Thursday, March 19, 2009
Under: News From Other Places
Carshalton Athletic. Not a name that I have considered very often, I'll be honest. But then this story came to my attention:
By the rule book, foul and abusive language is a bookable offence. In reality it never comes to this, as common sense dictates that it just is not practical. Players swear, just as fans do. And we should no more expect better of them than we should of ourselves.
There was an instance a couple of weeks ago at Cannon Park when a couple, and it was only a couple, of spectators took exception to the vocal attentions some fans were paying towards a visiting keeper. It was nothing you wouldn't hear at any ground on any given Saturday, and contained only "mild" swearing, IMO. But still some people were suitably offended so as to complain to stewards, to myself, even to the Chairman. How odd. They were at a football match, and I can only think that they must have wandered absent mindedly into the ground, expecting some form of choral recital.
As the statement says, football IS a passionate game, but the actions of the Carshalton management do nothing but embaress their club. The motivation may be honourable, but it shows an alarming lack of understanding of both the footballing environment, and the reputation of their club.
You can see what the Carshalton fans think of the decision here
In a recent game a CAFC player was substituted from the pitch for continued and excessive use of foul language. The substitution may not have been in the interests of winning the game, but it was in the greater interest of the Club itself and those spectators at the game. Such action has the full support of the club and the overwhelming majority of fans.
Football is a passionate game - Passion and foul language are not connected in any way.
Where to start? I know that if Retford United followed this course, we'd be forfeiting games left right and centre. And quite who would be managing I don't know. But does that make it right? Just because we are used to hearing swearing on the pitch, does that mean it should continue unabated?By the rule book, foul and abusive language is a bookable offence. In reality it never comes to this, as common sense dictates that it just is not practical. Players swear, just as fans do. And we should no more expect better of them than we should of ourselves.
There was an instance a couple of weeks ago at Cannon Park when a couple, and it was only a couple, of spectators took exception to the vocal attentions some fans were paying towards a visiting keeper. It was nothing you wouldn't hear at any ground on any given Saturday, and contained only "mild" swearing, IMO. But still some people were suitably offended so as to complain to stewards, to myself, even to the Chairman. How odd. They were at a football match, and I can only think that they must have wandered absent mindedly into the ground, expecting some form of choral recital.
As the statement says, football IS a passionate game, but the actions of the Carshalton management do nothing but embaress their club. The motivation may be honourable, but it shows an alarming lack of understanding of both the footballing environment, and the reputation of their club.
You can see what the Carshalton fans think of the decision here
Tags: carshalton swearing
