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The recent verbal attack on a referee in South Africa by a respected club owner/chairperson sent shock waves through the footballing and wider community.
It happened in the north of the country and, for once, was not directed at the colour of a man’s skin, but rather at the particular ethnic group to which he allegedly belongs.
Without going into the finer details of the case, because it is still going through the PSL disciplinary committee process after the club official, who is also a member of the PSL executive committee, was put under cautionary suspension, it brings home the stark reality that racism is alive and well, it would appear, in certain quarters and must be condemned by all right-minded people.
Heretofore, the impression was that it was one skin colour against another. Because of the apartheid past, which is still an open wound in many quarters, this particular incident added a new dimension to a chapter in South Africa’s history that we thought had been confined to the rubbish bin of history, where it belonged.
Apparently not, and it would appear to be made worse when the protagonists are of the same African origin.
Recently, in a Premier League game in the UK, Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling complained that he was racially abused in their game against Chelsea FC. Television footage caught the culprits spitting out their venom and vitriol at Sterling, and one didn’t have to be a brilliant lip-reader to make out what they were saying.
In another recent incident, Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had a banana skin thrown at him after he had scored a goal when they played north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur. Another despicable act by a supporter alleged to be a fan of the opposition.
It has to be said that the two clubs to whom these offenders claim to show allegiance have reacted quickly and banned these mindless thugs from their games for life. One can only hope that a clear message will go out that such acts will not be tolerated and those found guilty will receive the toughest sanction.
Getting back to the main reason for this column.
Referees need to be protected by the powers that be – in South Africa’s case, Safa.
The mother body of soccer in any country is the guardian and defender of match officials. It is their job to send out an unambiguous message that no interference with the referees and their assistants will be tolerated.
In this instance, Safa has been conspicuous by its silence, and that culture of keeping mum needs to change.
Too many referees, including yours truly, have been abused, insulted, assaulted and worse in the course of handling games. In fact, only a few weeks ago, I wrote about my namesake Daniel Sweeney, who was savagely attacked here in Ireland. He had his jaw and nose broken, and also sustained damage to his eye socket.
The four people – if I can call them that; I’d much prefer to call them animals – have since been banned by the Irish authorities from any participation in soccer for 40 – yes, I said 40 – years. That includes coaching, training and even attending games. I’m not sure how that can be policed, but the message is clear: abuse referees at your peril; you will suffer the consequences.
Racism has no place in any walk of life, whether it’s soccer, rugby or any other form of sporting activity, or any activity, for that matter.
I want to see referees getting whatever protection they want and need so that they can go about their jobs to the best of their ability and be confident that, whatever the outcome of the game, they will be able to leave the ground or stadium in safety.
Happy whistling!
Follow me on Twitter @dr_errol
