The minute of silence is fraught with danger at a huge sporting event like State of Origin. There will always be the odd fool who can’t keep quiet to respect a legend like Ron Clarke.
The Olympian who passed away at the age of 78 was being remembered at the very stadium he lit the cauldron to commence the 1956 Olympics.
As well as setting 17 World Records he was a man known for his incredible sportsmanship and generosity.
Unfortunately his life was not seen worthy of respect by some in the crowd and those people should be ashamed. Of course, the vast majority were trying to honour the man and were quite rightly doing their best to shut up the people making a noise.
It was one of the only disappointments of the night but it was a big disappointment. It annoyed me and many more watching on who couldn’t believe what we were hearing.
Speaking on the TODAY show this morning Victorian premier Daniel Andrews condemned the behaviour.
“You get 91 and a half thousand people in any space you’re always going to get a few idiots and that’s exactly what they were, completely disrespectful idiots who don’t do our city, our state, or indeed our nation any credit at all,” he said.
It’s too simplistic to blame alcohol and it’s also a cop out by those who use it as an excuse for their abhorrent actions. Was it because the average person attending didn’t understand the significance of Clarke?
Either way I would actually prefer administrators put a stop to the silence and consider the British approach of 60 seconds of applause to honour our icons in sport and society in general.
It would stop the selfish tool from hearing their own voice and ensure the deceased receive the respect they deserve.
GoGWS
Roar Guru
And of course we had Roy Masters bizarre, yet somehow predictable, spin regarding this deplorable behaviour on Offsiders on the ABC. I'm not even going to dignify his 'look over there' explanation by repeating it (anyone who cares to waste their time can have a look in iView). It was a reminder, in case any was needed, of just how contorted his logic can be when he gets his 'RL apologetics' BS flowing.
WQ
Guest
Was at the ground and the noise was coming from all three sections of the crowd I.e the NSW area, the QLD area and the rest. It was very unfortunate however there was 90 000 people there and only a handful of idiots!
Dmak
Guest
What is your point? Just because they reside in Victoria does not stop people being part of the RL culture of . Do you lose the right to be a Queenslander or New South Welsh if you follow Soccer or Aussie Rules. In my area you can tell a Melbourne Storm fan by how they behave and speak .I have heard the same said about Union and Aussie Rules fans in Sydney..
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
It was probably just a couple of dozen idiots. The vast majority did the right thing. Even if some didn't know who Ron Clarke was, they were able to keep their mouths shut for 60 seconds. It's not asking a lot. If the minutes silence is replaced by a minutes applause, then the trash wins.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Surely they've got to dob in the people yelling out. And it was "queenslander" and "Gallens a ....." They should be kicked out immediately. If you can't behave for a minute imagine the carry on those fools are going to doing for the next 2hrs to those around them
Squidward
Roar Rookie
Exactly. An estimated 65k of them were local
Squidward
Roar Rookie
There was not a sound at the roosters dragons Anzac Day clash. And it was a legitamate full minute
Jackso
Guest
Rugby league crowd - get it right
Minge
Guest
Thanks for your contribution and lack of input into the questions.
Jeremy
Guest
Victorians were the majority of the crowd.
kevin dustby
Guest
gee you really dont like league do you? love to put the slipper in
kevin dustby
Guest
how did they get it wrong?
JJ
Guest
Probably best you brush up on your sports knowledge champ.
Me Too
Guest
It's a rugby crowd - similar thing happened in the Bulldogs Anzac eve game this year - they hurriedly shortened the minute and started playing the Rouse to save the embarrassment.
daniel
Guest
I'd imagine that if they where in the crowd they would have been happy to hear his achievements applauded (certainly happier than hearing 'Gallens a Wanker'). However... I am not them and everyone deals with tragedy in their own way. I do not think that State Of Origin is their time to morn. The funeral, wake and other times with family and friends is the time to morn, not a rugby much. I agree with the other commentators, unless its a tragedy (a'la Phil Hughes and Jerry Collins), I feel a sporting event is the time to celebrate a passing legends achievements.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
People could hear screaming Queenslander and Gallen's a wanker. This is just utterly disgraceful for any crowd in the MCG. I do think that any people behaving in a silly manner would be booted from the stadium immediately.
Bronco Juggernaut
Guest
fair enough mate
Cugel
Roar Rookie
"It’s too simplistic to blame alcohol" Well we know the old saying "Alcohol doesn't inebriate people, people do"
cm
Guest
The minutes applause isn't a cultural thing really, it's pretty recent... and when it was first done in the UK, spontaneously in most cases by fans who felt it (or chanting) was a better mark of respect for that person, it copped a lot if criticism. First time I can remember hearing it (there are probably earlier instances) https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZNAFcqR7uu0 sent chills up my spine. .. The fans got slagged for it by outsiders though.
catcat
Guest
I prefer the American "moments silence" then a "thank you" to end- as a minute is a long time at a game. Would not have helped in this instance that I put down to pure ignorance not alcohol