‘To avoid criticism do nothing, say nothing, be nothing’, so says US author Elbert Hubbard. With this in mind the recent decision by the powers that be to fine Sligo Rovers manager Sean Connor €1200 sets a dangerous precedent in Irish football. Connor's ‘crime’ was to criticise a referee who sent off one of his players in a pre-season friendly. The reality in football is that nobody is beyond criticism including referees, players, managers, administrators, the FAI, the eircom League and the PFAI.
We are all responsible for our actions and if somebody disagrees with what we say or do then they have the right to reply or redress, be it in the media or a court of law. The fostering of a non-critical environment within Irish football by fining players, managers and officials can only be detrimental to the growth of the domestic game.
Irish society has many examples were the punishment of criticism or questioning the actions of persons in authority, has led to major scandals in the pillars of our society such as the church, health services, politics and the financial sector. As the domestic game evolves from semi professionalism to full time professionalism the decisions made by all concerned can have a telling effect on a player’s career or deny a club of much needed income.
The lack of support for Connor from his managerial colleagues is worrying and may be explained by two issues. The first is the lack of a cohesive managers' association and the other is their fear of also being fined if they in turn speak out. The pressures on the modern day eircom League manager are immense and a better understanding by the authorities of the role they play in domestic football would be more welcome than the current slap in the face.
http://www.pfai.ie/index.php?mod=one...9bf13ce5eb042a
