Straight red ‘step too far’

By Nick Mollet

GUERNSEY footballers and coaches are opposed to the implementation of a zero-tolerance policy on swearing.

It was revealed last week that a league in the north-east and Cumbria will be the first in England to ban players swearing and will dish out an immediate red card to any players using foul language.

But there would be resentment if that were ever to be introduced into the local game.

‘Football is an emotional game and I’m not sure whether that would work. Yes bad language should not be used but there is general talking among the players in the game,’ said Guernsey senior coach Steve Ogier.

‘The responsibility is with the players and management to try and cut out the bad language in the game but I don’t think it’s bad over here. There are isolated incidents like you get in any sport,’ he said.

‘The onus is on the players and management to tone it down if there are kids around and other people who might get offended.’

Other players and coaches had similar views.

‘I don’t think it’s going to work. In principle it’s not a bad idea to give a good example to kids, but in practice I don’t think there is much chance of it working and it could turn a game into a farce. No swearing is pretty non-existent in Guernsey,’ said Rangers Priaulx side skipper Dave Parrott, who missed his side’s defeat to champions-elect Bels on Friday night due to suspension.

‘Swearing in frustration, I don’t see any problem with that, and I don’t see how you will stamp it out.

‘In rugby the referee does not take any grief, but in football the ref has to put up with a lot of moaning.’

Sylvans and Indian Cottage striker Dan Le Page, who has just returned from a 35-day suspension for dissent, said: ‘There is a difference between swearing in a game at yourself and swearing at an official and if you swear in frustration, it’s different.

‘I’m not one to argue as I got a red card for swearing at a linesman and know that is a rule. They need to use their head a little and decide what is swearing in frustration and at team-mates and at an official,’ he said.

Sunday Soccer League president and Ounsworth Decor Cosmos coach Keith Robins said: ‘Yes, we need to stamp it out but a straight red for any swearing, no – a yellow card is sufficient. If it’s directed at a linesman or referee, yes, a straight red and if it’s aggressive.’

Referee Johnny Mallett, who also coaches Sunday Soccer League side Mariners FC, is in favour of a zero tolerance approach to swearing.

‘If there are kids around the park, players have to know they can’t swear on the pitch and there should be an automatic red card for swearing.

‘It’s getting worse,’ he claimed.