Neil Ruddock now writes exclusively for FootballFancast.com. Read his column below. Make sure to check out the latest news, blogs and podcasts at FFC – ed.
It is very difficult for an ex professional player to look at modern day football without the odd shake of the head, or questioning how the game has changed in such a short space of time. It has massively, although in some cases not for the better.
I question the professionalism of some current players within the game. Don’t get me wrong, off the pitch a lot of the guys are absolute saints – eating and drinking correctly so they stay in peak physical shape and not falling out of night clubs and bars (well some of them), but on it many choose to cheat and disrespect the game, by diving, feigning injury, trying to get opposition players sent off and in short conning the referees and ruining the spectacle for supporters. It is becoming far more frequent and I question the personal pride of some of these players.
Yes I know some will point the finger at perhaps the lack of professionalism of players in my era off the pitch, and in many cases you are right, but on the pitch you couldn’t question it as we played the game in the way it should be played with 100% honesty and commitment. We didn’t look to get players sent off, throw ourselves to the ground at the slightest touch, or wave the imaginary cards; we had too much self pride and a respect for the game that is sadly lacking today. When I was playing I used to have a huge amount of respect for Thierry Henry, for the way he always attempted to remain on his feet, even after a challenge, and he never looked to show any weakness against the opposition. You compare that with someone like Emile Heskey who on occasions would hit the ground at the slightest nudge. What is frustrating is that whenever you go around a Premier League training ground you will undoubtedly see hard tackles flying in, physical battles throughout, yet as soon as the weekend comes along that goes out the window, leaving the referees with the thankless task of dissecting what is foul play and what is not. Their lack of honesty is destroying the game and in some cases making a mockery of it.
The worst thing about the change in players’ attitudes is that it puts an extra onus on the referees and their assistants to read through the lines to make the correct call. Being an official is an impossible task, made harder by the increase in camera angles and, more significantly, the ever changing laws of the game. Players don’t do anything to make the situation any easier and therefore it is a vicious circle that the refs find themselves in, and where they are simply in a no win situation.
I question whether the refs are given enough assistance over such matters and maybe the introduction of some panel or committee to root out these players, who are cheating and conniving, would go some way in bringing a little more honesty and professionalism on the pitch back to the game. It certainly needs it.
Follow us on twitter @live4Liverpool
Live4Liverpool is recruiting columnists. For further info contact the site editor at live4liverpool@snack-media.com
Its live fantasy football! Become part of Liverpool v Wolves and play Picklive for FREE. A Free Trial for every reader here
This week it is Liverpool fan Caroline Wozniacki!
————–
CLICK ON THE IMAGE OR HERE TO GET TO THE GALLERY
–
“but on the pitch you couldn’t question it as we played the game in the way it should be played”
Oh really? What was pass the pound then?
true true… i would recommend a panel of officials that also include the teams manager, to go through a video review of any player indiscretions… if a player falls or takes a dive they get a strike against their name. they get a possible 3 strike rule (doesnt have to be consecutive games). after the 3rd strike the player gets a 1 match ban, or if you want to get tough on them a 3 match ban… therefore you get the officials to review the indiscretions and the manager to put their point of view across. this will also assist the manager to speak and help the player if they are a repeat offender… i think you would also find that if players do continue to fall over easily they will get up and be honest to the ref saying it wasnt a foul… Just a suggestions???
Is this the same Thierry Henry who blatantly handled the ball to get a French team to the world cup finals only for them to not show the remotest interest in being there ? I agree with your sentiments entirely and until Video technology is introduced as a refereeing aid I fear this trend will sadly continue to the detriment of the game
The powers that be have to decide whether football is a contact sport or not. The most frustrating aspect of the game is the inconsistency of refereeing decisions not only from ref to ref but in most games from minute to minute. No wonder players are constantly questioning decisions.
It’s simple…you put the onus on the managers…..If your player dives you get a three game touchline ban….and the player gets three weeks wages deduction and given to charity…simple as …..that would put a stop to it fairly lively.