THE PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLERS’ Association has spoken out about player conduct after John Terry was found not guilty of racial abuse.
Terry was found not guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand during an English Premier League match between QPR and Chelsea last October, but the very specific details that have emerged from the case have tainted the English game.
A host of expletive-fuelled exchanges between various members of both sides that day were read aloud in the Westminster Magistrates’ Court and PFA deputy chief executive Bobby Barnes wants to bring an end to the lack of respect shown by players to their opponents.
He told the Mirror: “Regardless of the outcome, the one thing we all have to accept is that football has not come out of this well.
“This week has highlighted the fact that although we are now part of a multi-million pound industry, passions run very high on the football pitch.
“It’s up to us as a union to get the message across to all players so that there is a very strong lead to ensure that they treat not just referees and match officials with respect but also each other.”
Barnes feels that despite the verdict reached on using racist language, there is equally no place in the game for some of the abusive words used by both parties.
He said: “It is important to remember that this case was not brought by Anton Ferdinand, and John Terry has been found not guilty of using racist language.
“But this case has shown that there is a lot of language that goes on that shouldn’t go on – in whatever context it might be.
“The world has moved on an awful lot but we are still seeing the same sort of sledging and banter that was going on in the ’80s when I was playing.
“It doesn’t surprise me. Football will always be a game of passion but then you see sledging in cricket as well. That sport is not perfect either.
“I don’t think we are ever going to be able to sanitise the game. Nor would we want to. But at the same time we will have to look at what is considered to be acceptable levels of what is banter and what is considered to be unacceptable personal abuse.”
Fair play to the defenders, unbelievable work rate from all 30 of them.
I have stood up for Ulster football on here for some time but this is pure muck. honestly I think this is the worst game of football I have ever seen.McManus is the only good player on the pitch today. If McManus could be marked Monahan have nothing else to offer.
“He was eaten the way a crocodile would eat a human being, by that Monaghan player”. Wtf are that lot in RTE smoking?
I rewinded that to make sure I heard him right
Come on MONAGHAN
Donegal are so negative. Conor McManus is taking a lot if abuse out there. Monaghan starting to play some lovely football when allowed though.
A cure for insomnia…..
christ this is horrendous shite
agree paul. horrific. imagine having paid to bring a family to that. dont care who beat the winner as long as someone does.
the sad part is Declan fellas on here will think this is great stuff these mob are killing the game.
Sure why don’t they play 6 at the back and get obliterated by 30 points at the hands of the Dubs in Croke Park, that’s far more entertaining…
Donegal are only good when they’re ahead and then they choke the life out of ya. Clueless when chasing a game.
Spoke too soon Damian!
*Damien sorry
I was thinking that Jack. maybe not
now croke Park this is the chance slam the back door shut cut out the cancer.
I know it’s a final and these teams are under no obligation to entertain us, but jesus, this is horrible stuff.
God protect us from Martin Carney and Marty Morrissey!
Can’t see Derry beating Monaghan
Neither can I, especially if Donegal are playing Monaghan!!
Damn predictive text
Seeing as Derry aren’t playing today, ‘twould be hard to see it happening alright.
Didn’t see your correction before my last comment. Sorry.
Yeah cause both words are so similar
Alan b.. You lie.. There is no way Donegal got amended to Derry by predictive text.
Thank Christ that wasn’t a draw, I don’t think I could take it.. An absolute sh@tefest of a game.
That’s the only way to play Donegal, so fair play to Monaghan… Unfortunately it’s horrible to watch….
Thats the only way to play Donegal, so fair play to Monaghan. Unfortunately it’s horrible to watch…