Cheating and hypocrisy: it's ironic that players' attitudes make soccer so interesting
Many players cry foul at the antics of fellow pros but then go on to do the same things
There are many funny, ironic and hypocritical incidents in soccer, which perhaps explain why the game is so engrossing.
Referees observe these more than most, but anyone watching closely and from a neutral perspective can see them, too. For instance, during last weekend's English Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United, it was a pleasant surprise to see the match officials call a foul throw-in against Blues defender Branislav Ivanovic. And there were no complaints from the players.
Ivanovic had one foot on the pitch beyond the touch line. None of the players called it because they did not spot this infringement. Usually, players are screaming blue murder for foul throws based on strange body movements of the thrower even though the action is perfectly valid.
Usually, players are screaming blue murder for foul throws based on strange body movements of the thrower even though the action is perfectly valid
Players need to appreciate that just because something does not look right in their eyes it does not mean there is anything wrong with the throw-in providing it satisfies the five basic requirements. These are where the thrower must face the field of play; have part of each foot on the touch line or outside the pitch; hold the ball with both hands; deliver the ball from behind and over his head; and deliver the ball from the point where it left the pitch.
Whenever players get worked up about a 50-50 throw-in decision not going their way, just pay attention to the outcome of the actual throw-in. Invariably gaining a throw-in does not automatically guarantee possession, which is ironic considering how intensely players complain about not getting a favourable throw-in decision. So perhaps conceding a throw-in is not such a bad strategy for gaining possession of the ball because it has a probability outcome similar to punting the ball upfield in a hopeful manner.
It is also not uncommon for players from losing teams to tell the referee to keep an eye out for time-wasting antics from the opposition and to count for added time. When the same players are instead in a favourable situation (they are either winning or drawing, depending on the nature of the tie), they then have no qualms about using delaying tactics and pressing the same referee to blow for full time.
How about when a subbed player from the team currently leading deliberately approaches the referee to shake hands before going off? The player is not really paying respect to the referee for apparently having a good match; he is simply trying to waste time as he slowly leaves the pitch.
This type of hypocrisy is also seen when team captains and players act all nice and friendly to the referee before the match but then, on the pitch, will have no hesitation in verbally abusing the referee. This is another reason why the Fifa handshake drill, now performed before the start of all high-level matches including EPL games, is ironic. This show is reminiscent of politicians pressing the flesh with the public and is hypocritical and insincere.
Also watch for players on the receiving end of bad challenges who aggressively complain to the referee (even asking for cards) about their unsporting assailant. But as soon as the accusations die down, these players will go and shake hands or slap each other's bottoms as they "kiss and make up". What is that all about? With behaviour like that, it is understandable why referees regard players as fraudsters and cheats.
This type of hypocrisy is also seen when team captains and players act all nice and friendly to the referee before the match but then, on the pitch, will have no hesitation in verbally abusing the referee
Perhaps the ultimate irony is seeing adults behaving badly but who simultaneously teach kids not to behave in the same way.
There is an anti-smoking advertisement from Thailand that illustrates this disconnect beautifully.
The advert shows young children approaching adult smokers standing in the street and asking for a light. The smokers are visibly shocked by the requests and immediately tell the kids that smoking is harmful to them. Oh, the irony.
To conclude, it is the blatant irony and obvious hypocrisy - not the sublime soccer skills displayed by a few world-class players - that makes the beautiful game so entertaining to all. Isn't that ironic? What is your favourite ironic incident in soccer?
