In what was supposed to be the season of goodwill, it transpired that there was really no hope of the “Respect The Ref” campaign working.
The Premier League was targeted firstly by the campaign, as its high profile and influential nature was hopefully going to place a “verbal cull” on some of its more outspoken players, and indeed managers. The campaign has been heralded by some- with the country’s highest ranked referee, Howard Webb, calling the programme “a success” which has “improved players attitudes”. Dwindling refereeing figures from last year show that around 7,000 refs have quit their jobs, and it’s clear from these startling stats that something needs to be done about the lack of respect in football.
Incidentally, it’s difficult to create a good atmosphere about the new campaign, when Premier League managers are openly disregarding the FA’s, and referees’ efforts. Ex Blackburn manager, Paul Ince called prozone stats claiming that referees are fitter and so can get to the action quicker as “a load of crap”.
However, after one of the clearest pieces of evidence that the “Respect the Ref” programme has been a failure this year, was the events of May 6th in which Chelsea football club behaved quite disgracefully, most notably Didier Drogba and Jose Bosingwa. The pair accused, abused and threatened the Norwegian referee after the Champions League semi final defeat to Barcelona. Thankfully, they were hit by one of the most severe punishments handed down by UEFA in recent times, with Drogba being banned for at least four European matches and Bosingwa at least three matches. Chelsea were also fined £85,000 for failing to control their players and their “over- zealous” crowd who threw missiles onto the pitch.
It seems that Drogba’s grovelling apology has done him no favours with UEFA.
I myself am no big fan of UEFA. I think that some if their rules are ridiculous (employing an extra linesman for the Europa league games?!) but perhaps this sanction will make players think twice before aggressively contesting a decision and verbally attacking a referee.
It’s just a little strange how the season that was supposed to bring more respect to the game, ended doing the exact opposite.
