A LITTLE LOCAL DIFFICULTY
Last updated : 02 October 2003 By Editor
The shy, retiring Ken Bates had a pop at Arsenal in the
Chelsea programme last night, how unlike him to get involved
in something that doesn’t involve him. If there was ever a
time when the saying about people in glass houses was
appropriate, now is surely it:
"The recent Man Utd-Arsenal incident has attracted much
media attention but there is a much wider issue to be
addressed and that is dissent shown by players against
referees' decisions.
"Dissent can be eliminated overnight. If managers didn't
tolerate dissent it would stop immediately. Coaches should
lead by example and not criticise referees' decisions
themselves.
"The FA should come down heavily on all concerned. A yellow
card for dissent should be accompanied by an automatic fine.
"Managers who criticise referees should be banned from the
touchline and if they can't control their players they
should be suspended themselves.
"The most serious knock-on effect is that kids see their
heroes on TV and carry that behaviour into their own games.
"Dissent must not be tolerated - it must be stamped out.”
