Yep, footballers are certainly overpaid in an 'ethics' sense, but that's the market I suppose. It all relies upon how popular the sport is.

It's a reality of the footballer that they have always taken abuse from the crowd. In England racial abuse has largely reduced but abuse will continue wherever a crowd is as a matter of statistical realities.

Footballers, especially international footballers with sensitivity to abuse are not being realistic. Being offended is justified, however in terms of being able to carry out their job it makes as much sense as a nurse being scared of blood.....it's going to happen.

Southgate was talking in terms of players walking off in qualifying games over racial abuse from crowds. If they think taking a stand on cultural attitudes in other countries is warranted that's for them. Are we seriously going to have a situation where certain countries are banned or play with no supporters? For me, it's King Canute and the tide.

Edited by Stirlingsays (05 Apr 2019 9.01am)

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

It's a good post.

I think with over matched sides more elements in the crowd are going to treat affecting the opposition as part of their entertainment.

If the players or the institutions are going to be affected by insults then essentially it ends with empty stadiums or black-listing teams because these things aren't changeable on demand.

It isn't my approach but it's certainly the approach of some and probably the way it'll go.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

The man who in his own words, spends more money on a night out in London that some countries get fined for racist chants wants to retire because of racism.

How sympathetic does he really expect the vast majority of people to be?

The absurdly disproportionate response in the media to terrace behaviour that has actually been going on for decades is about politics.
In England, racisl insults at football are rare and why do we single out racial insults as being any more insulting than any other type? Politics that's why.

It's not like you can do anything about your colour, so it isn't even a clever insult.
It belongs in the category of idiotic and immature and should be treated as such.
Sadly, many Black footballers don't help themselves by responding to the abuse as they often do. They are being encouraged to do so by a media and organisations that have their own agenda.

I did think his comments were self defeating. He spends over £40 k on a night out. Silly billy. Hardly going for the sympathy vote. Also made himself sound so mercenary.

I get the anger of having the potential of abuse always hanging over you. Just did such a bad job of explaining that and empathising with others in a similar position.

I will never accept your argument that the money means players should just grin and bear it. No amount of money stops you being a human being.

Yes, there is a difference certainly.

However, abuse is abuse. I defend your right to offend, but I think it's fair to criticise profanity.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)