Ugly beautiful game

As a mum with two young lads, I have had to become involved in football. I was talking to my elderly father-in-law and he reminded me of the days when the English were “recognised as jolly good sportsmen”.

No falling over to gain a free kick or a crafty poke in the eye to an opposing team member. He reminded me that in his day the fans would often criticise a referee in an amusing rather than a vicious manner with comments that referred to his eyesight and the need for glasses.

He could not recall hearing bad language or swearing at the referee or the players.

Well, as I told him “it’s a bit different now”.

Swearing in front of a lady or children is apparently all the rage and it’s OK to hurl abuse at the opposing team and the match officials.

Now while that might be acceptable for adult matches, it should certainly not apply to junior matches and here I refer to October 16’s under-11 match between Eastbourne Town and Fishersgate Flyers.

None of your polite applause at this match, just loud-mouthed swearing and abuse at the players and referee, who was just 16 years old himself.

Just to make matters worse, there was a stand-up row between the two team managers.

I have written to the FA regarding their Respect campaign.

Jo Phillips

The Meadway

Shoreham Beach