Comments on: New Rules: You Swear, You’re Off

By: JustJack

JustJack — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:24:26 +0000

As a writer I believe there is no such thing as “bad language” only bad manners. However, as I am also a ref in youth football, I’m a large fan of simply putting an index finger to lips to a player who’s getting excessive. Frankly, if there isn’t a vigorous passionate expression from a player, I’m impressed as he’s clearly better than I. When I play, I cuss, it’s a given. When I ref I don’t, and I don’t expect players to do any differently than I would as a player. I agree with Daryl when he says, Surely the real problem isn’t swearing, it’s abuse. There’s a big difference between yelling out in frustration because your shooting boots aren’t properly calibrated, and calling a linesman the c-word.

Indeed, being called a cactus stings a bit, even for a thicker skinned official.

I can tell you that Cobi Jones in the States is thanking his stars he’s in the U.S. and not in NLD2 as he’s a rather prolific fan of the F-rankincese word.

Cerberus has a brilliant point too that this may well be more rooted in classism than any real urge to “clean up” the verbal environment.

By: Sam

Sam — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:18:55 +0000

I am an avid swearing fan, for many reasons. This fuckin’ sucks.

By: Cerberus

Cerberus — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 01:38:24 +0000

I support the banning of cactus-related statements as they are hateful and hurtful.

The rest is fucking bullshit that seriously sounds like it comes more from hatred of the poor and the “bad atmosphere” “their types” bring in. Even if it wasn’t, it’s just idiocy that avoids the real problem in favor of a made-up one.

Yeah, sure, give a yellow to a relentless taunter who uses racist slurs to try and piss off the opponent or a yellow to an athlete who refuses to stop harrassing a referee after a decision. And have the FA stand behind referees who do so.

This so-called solution is mealy-mouthed idiocy that won’t stop those problems. Most bastards will know the right epithets that aren’t swears to be just as rude.

By: Daryl

Daryl — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:20:39 +0000

Hey Mike, it’s Daryl. Chris has been posting like a trooper lately so I can see why you would think it was him.

And no, you can’t.

By: Mike

Mike — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:17:07 +0000

so chris, are you saying we can’t call the linesman a cactus?

By: cfc069

cfc069 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:25:26 +0000

And howabout Mayweather breaking Big Show’s nose in the WWE in the last few days!!

KTBFFH

But this in England Ian. We do anything to keep the ’status quo.’ Can’t upset the populas and now we can’t upset the refs.

Talk about a ‘changing’ world in more ways than one – it can only happen here!!!

By: Ian

Ian — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:06:13 +0000

I’m with cfc on this one. As long as it’s not racist or otherwise prejudiced, let the boys say what they want. It’s an intense game, and fans want to see players that care about it enough to get truly riled up, and that means some less than family-style language. It’s nothing the kids aren’t hearing in school, and it would be a silly yellow card, not to mention red.

By: cfc069

cfc069 — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 18:33:26 +0000

What a load of Barry Hollocks. Swearing is part of the physical competitiveness of the game. What next? Ban boxing in the boxing ring. Ban Wrestling in the WWE, ban the quality scraps in NHL – might just as well pack your bags and last one turn the lights out please!!!

KTBFFH
Nope that ain’t swearing

K = Keep
T = The
B = Blue
F = Flag
F = Flying
H = High