The Issue of Respect and Officials

The situation between Darren Drysdale and Alan Judge highlights the issues of dis-respect for officials in football. And why it needs to change. 

The incident occurred when referee Darren Drysdale waved away Alan Judge’s theatrical dive in the aim of getting a penalty for Ipswich against Northampton. Judge then got up called Drysdale a c**t and aggressively went at the referee. Dysdale then reacted and effectively squared up to Judge, before being pulled away. The incident became famous and the focus was on the case of a ref squaring up to a player. Drysdale was seen as the guilty man, how dare he do this to a player etc. He has just received a backdated ban as he not officiated a game since that incident. 

 

Now let’s discuss the issue here. We all know that referee’s can frustrate you as a player, they give decisions against you and you feel mistreated. Feelings of frustration do occur. However, the reactions that players believe they can have towards officials is quite truly shocking and unacceptable. The case of Judge and Drysdale is an example of the problem, and the reaction to it unfortunately points to an acceptance that a player can react in that way and it’s ok. But when a ref reacts he is in the wrong and must be held to account. 

Judge was in the wrong and should have been sent off. The day that video was put out on social media you can hear Judge call Drysdale a c**t and his reaction and anger towards was completely out of line. Drysdale was in his right to have sent him off for that tirade. Judge was out of line. He had attempted to win a penalty and dived. That's a booking in itself. And with no VAR to back this one up so you just have to accept the decision. If you feel aggrieved then that is just what happens. Refs make mistakes sometimes, the same way players do. Frustrating yes, but that’s football sometimes. But, his reaction was not acceptable. The one who should have been suspended is Judge. An example should have been made of him. 

 

Respect for officials? 

And so it brings up the point of respect in football. Like many campaigns which have catchy slogans and pamphlets the respect the ref campaign was put out to showcase that action was being taken. But, it hasn’t changed anything. The same issues are happening across pitches all over the country, from senior professional games to grassroots football with kids. 

There is a lack of respect for officials, and their treatment and the way they are spoken to is completely wrong. Why does football believe it can speak to people in this way? To be so vitriolic, so aggressive. And why should officials simply accept it? Aggressive behaviour and language aimed at officials should result in a red card. And perhaps even a respect course having to be attended to learn and improve that players conduct before they play again. 

 

For young kids they react in similar ways after watching their teams, as do the parents and coaches. The ones who should be the teachers and educators of values and respect. Their conduct and the way they speak to officials will rub off on their players. If they decide to be aggressive, swear and question every decision, what will their players think is acceptable? 

 

I commend refs, particularly those who officiate grassroots football, where they are often on their own, and get paid about £15! For them to continue to turn up and receive grief and aggression from the parents, players and coaches. I’ve seen some really toxic environments where the ref is intimidated by both sides. It’s horrible! Sometimes these are just young lads who are looking to make some extra money, and who perhaps a pursuing a career in this profession. Why treat these people like this?

How can adults actually act this way? Football culture, the aggression and vitriol from the terraces for so many decades, has led to a culture where the officials are targets for abuse and criticism. This culture spills into the grassroots and youth levels. And it needs to change. Because you will begin to lose new referees, the future generation, these young lads, who will just see it as a hassle not worth their time. 

 

Refs can be frustrating. We’ve all had refs which haven’t been great. But is it really acceptable to treat them with such dis-respect, threatening behaviour? People need to improve their respect to refs, at all levels. 

Alan Judge should have been held to account for his actions. That would have shown that respect for refs is a serious matter and players and staff who don’t conduct themselves in the right way, should face the necessary punishment. The FA and EFL should have made an example out of him. Shown what is not tolerated or accepted from players. That would have taught a lesson to a lot of people about what is acceptable conduct. Instead Drysdale is deemed the guilty party?! That’s wrong. 

My advice; be the change you want to see, educate your players and your children, and call out others when they cross the line. 

The Whitehouse Address @TheWAddress