Football is a game of opinions, or so the old saying goes. So why does it often feel like we’re all just a little bit too scared of actually voicing them?
“You can’t tell me this is bad luck,” thundered Western Sydney Wanderers coach Markus Babbel after Wellington Phoenix were awarded a highly contentious match-winning penalty against his team last weekend.
“This is too often now, too often against us and there’s something behind it, that’s my opinion,” the German added for emphasis.
Why wouldn’t he? If the rumours are true, Babbel could soon be out of a job and possibly on the lookout for a tattoo removalist to get rid of his freshly inked Wanderers tattoo.
But what happened next was as predictable as Alessandro Diamanti skying his first shot of a game into Row Q.
“Football Federation Australia has issued a show cause notice under the FFA National Code of Conduct to the Western Sydney Wanderers FC Hyundai A-League Head Coach, Markus Babbel,” read the statement from the FFA.
“The citation relates to comments made in the official post-match media conference and in a Sky Sports interview following the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 Round 9 match between Western Sydney Wanderers FC and Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, 7 December 2019.”
So far so droll. But which ones?
Presumably the ones where he said: “We have to understand that we play not against 11 but against 12… this is a trend now.”
Markus Babbel’s mouth has landed him in hot water this A-League season. (Photo by Speed Media/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
And by the letter of the law, you can understand why the FFA insists that refereeing decisions must be respected. After all, respect for referees is an issue that effects every level of the game – from the top tier all the way down to the grassroots.
But you can equally understand why some fans think there aren’t many personalities in the A-League, because any time someone says something mildly controversial, they cop an official rebuke from the FFA.
And since we’re on the subject of controversial statements, how about A-League head Greg O’Rourke’s reply to SBS journalist Lucy Zelic after Sydney FC fans claimed they were mistreated by stadium officials at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong a fortnight ago?
“The story starts with a lie then is perpetuated by those whose agenda suits the narrative. Inside and outside the game,” O’Rourke told Zelic, who then relayed the conversation via Twitter.
“Unlike you, not many sort (sic) to know the truth as if they had there would have been no sensational and false headlines.”
Pretty damning stuff.
But it wasn’t hard for someone like me to find out what happened because I had a few mates in the away stand and I simply asked them.
I’ve stood on the terraces at hundreds of A-League games. How often has Greg O’Rourke done the same?
But while the Sydney fans weren’t complaining about being kicked out en masse as the statement insinuated, but rather were upset at being manhandled by security personnel who allegedly ignored both supporter marshals and police protocols in doing so, let’s just assume Greg and I probably have different opinions around stadium security at A-League games.
And that’s okay. We need more opinions in the A-League.
Football is not a protected species, and the only way administrators will ever get the hint that it’s not their exclusive domain to lord over however they see fit is if we tell them.
Yet one of the most obvious obstacles is the fact there are so few media jobs on offer.
It’s a natural reaction to pull your punches if you’re worried that getting offside with the wrong person might jeopardise your pay cheque.
And that’s what’s so great about this website, where fans can share their opinion on any topic they see fit.
Beni Iniesta
Guest
Simple. Keep your hands behind your back if you're near the ball - then there won't be any "accidental" handbells. If it does touch your hand it means you've been negligent and deserve all that you get.
Beni Iniesta
Guest
Couldn't agree Mike. Babbel is effectively accusing officials of being corrupt. In any other league in the world he would cop a much bigger fine for saying what he said and possibly be suspended for a month. Australia has traditionally been soft on this sort of thing and it's good to see they're finding a backbone - maybe.
Buddy
Roar Rookie
So think of another way you might have a more candid press conference. I agree it sounds daft but short of holding a gun at Someone’s head, it’s hard to really draw anything out.
Ad-O
Guest
I personally think that constant ref bashing has destroyed NRL punditry in Australia. Its painfully boorish. Not to mention, its led to the implementation of VAR in football, which I hate, and which hasn't added a single thing of value to the game.
Ad-O
Guest
Ref bashing is the domain of the poor coach and the poor pundit. Fans will be fans but, more than anything, its boring.
Ad-O
Guest
Agreed. It would be nice for some people to remember we are all football fans on here but sometimes we see things different ways.
Martyn50
Roar Rookie
"This might just be plain daft" Yes it's daft
Football is Life
Roar Rookie
Totally agree Waz. Our refs also have to learn that if they want respect they have to earn it. The best way to earn respect is to deliver something that vaguely resembles half decent refereeing.
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
I'm sure press conferences in the football codes conducted just after full time never used to be compulsory. Is it part of the TV deal which also gives them further access to players. As with Rugby League losing coaches are aggrieved if they feel they were victims of bad decisions. What's worse though is some young reporter with ZERO knowledge of a sport asking a recently dismissed batsman or a footballer on a losing team "how do you feel?" Cringeworthy.
Griffo
Roar Guru
Are we getting confused with opinions or the lack of colourful characters in the A-League? Merrick certainly has copped his fair share of fines, and kept a lid on earning more, but hints at it all the same. As the top league in the game here, rubbishing the ref in an official capacity has to be a fools errand. Doing it more than twice?
Griffo
Roar Guru
I have also been wondering this - is it just a distraction for the pressure he's feeling (or relieving), while also galvanising an 'us vs them' mentality into his team? Certainly it appears there is very little excuse with new training and stadium to fall back on this season.
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
Haha. Too funny Can only have an opinion if it’s validated by nemesis.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
it's history, of course people can talk about him. Not necessarily whining.
Franko
Guest
"Arm in an unnatural position" whatever that means. Increasingly the natural position is with arm outstretched, middle finger pointed up.
Franko
Guest
I never liked Kurz doing it in Adelaide, not sure he's been frothing at Victory yet? Especially given Kurz took over from the ultimate gentleman, Mr Gui Amor.
chris
Guest
Yeah refs really hate it when you call them "an effing cheat" on the pitch. On the question of whether Babbel can coach? Who knows really. We don't know yet. Alex Ferguson was about to be shown the door at Man U way back in 89 or so due to some very poor results.
Nemesis
Guest
Kevin Muscat is no longer part of the ALeague. Get over it. Find someone else to whine about.
chris
Guest
Haha! "I hope he gets run over by a cement truck"
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
I prefer the rugby union approach, if the ref calls it, then that's what it is. Every ref call is scrutinised by the TV commentators as though they are some type of super ref. Penalty awarded - that's not a penalty is the common retort. Sorry, if the ref says it's a penalty, it's a penalty. That's how it will be played, recorded and that's how the TV commentators and coaches and players should leave it. Move on. There are official means to complain, do it.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
only when he lost, never criticised the dodgy calls that went his way