So lets have a think about this. Not for too long because really no thought is needed. Imagine biting someone at work and still having a job afterwards.
No?
Bit too far to stretch the imagination isn't it. For most of us the thought would be ridiculous. Apparently though there are exceptions to this rule. The good old world of professional premiershit (notice my deliberate misspelling there) football being one.
If your name is Luis Suarez the message is, from the top down, go ahead and behave however you like. We will fine and ban you from a few games but carry on regardless. His team will keep him on and the police won't prosecute. He is to be offered 'anger management classes' though.
Ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Ha ha ha ha ha.
Can you tell how cynical I am about that. Bit like offering the Yorkshire ripper classes in how to handle his issues towards women.
So green light to carry on. Carry on biting. They could make that into a film. Mike Tyson could play him (can you see what I did there?).
What's truly disgraceful is that his team management have basically said he is too valuable to lose. Meaning of course that as premiershit (oops I did it again) football is all about money now and there are no professional standards, they simply can't afford to lose him. So morals, sport, sportsmanship, basic good decent human conduct count for nothing anymore. Not where sport and money are concerned. Much the same as big business everywhere then.
Suarez has 'apologised' to Ivanovic, the Chelsea defender he very kindly introduced to his teeth, and asked the Football Association to donate his fine to the Hillsborough Family Support Group. What's the word I am looking for?
Yet he has also previously been fined for racial abuse, and already had one ban for biting another player whilst at Ajax (I thought that was a scouring powder?) I see a pattern emerging here.
said...
"What Luis Suarez did has absolutely no place in football and he is going to
get - and deserves - an extremely lengthy ban.
"You cannot bite people anywhere, let alone on a football field. It is the
type of thing you do when you are a baby. He's a world-class player but he gives
you world-class trouble."
I agree with most of what mark Lawrenson says apart from one fundamental thing. He (Suarez) does not deserve a lengthy ban at all. What he deserves is to be sacked and banned from playing again. Ever. And prosecuted for this criminal offence. Maybe he could, as part of his sentence, be made to do something useful for once, like helping out at a soup kitchen or sweeping the streets.
Perhaps he could visit offenders in prison who have been sentenced for assault or racial abuse and try to explain to them the differing standards in society and why he has no criminal record and enjoys a luxury lifestyle, whilst they are spending their time at her Majesty's pleasure.
Maybe he could, eventually, get a normal job (if there are any left) somewhere and then, during an 'angry' moment, bite a co worker and see how much 'support' he gets from his management.
But he won't. And he won't be either punished or disciplined in any meaningful way either. He will go on playing and setting the most appalling example, assisted by the management of his team, his fellow players, the football association and the police...
Same old eh, same old....
Well put, Jonathan! I agree completely. :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Annie :)
DeleteI agree with you about the players, but those football "Fans" who spoil the matches for everyone should also have severe sentences. I see they are picking up some of the Millwall supporters - I think they should all be banned from every football ground - home and away! They are disgusting adverts for the majority of supporters who go to enjoy the game (when it's played properly -not like Suarez!) When you see families with younger children afraid to go and support their local teams, then something is seriously wrong with society. (OK Rant over now!)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more Sandie. In my opinion the whole game of football is tarnished anyway, has been for years but seems to be getting worse lately...
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