Some words for the unwise
The veins stood out on his neck and spittle flew from his mouth as he spat out the swear words. Eyes bulging, he slammed his fist into the desk. Oh yeah, a newsroom was a load of laughs in the good old days. That behaviour was expected and accepted. It reminds me of sport today.
In New Zealand terminology, Juventus goalkeeper Gianliuigi Buffon is a massive egg. Israel Folau has also plummeted to egg status. I’m not sure why I’m being polite because neither deserves it. Both have failed to see why their actions may have hurt people and damaged lives.
In the Champions League, referee Michael Oliver awarded a last-minute penalty to Real Madrid, knocking Juventus out of the quarterfinals. It produced a performance from Buffon not seen since I watched a two-year-old have a smartphone taken from him at the supermarket. Yes, it was a heart-breaking whistle to hear after Juventus’ incredible fightback in the second leg but Buffon charging up to the referee, screaming and flailing an inch from his face, was disgraceful.
After excessive remonstrating, he was red-carded. I waited for the outrage from the commentators and panel of former players; it turned into a therapy group. Poor Buffon, heat of the moment, big game etc. And that’s what’s wrong with football. That and the truly disastrous haircut choices.
Some critics thought he’d gone a bit over the top. Fortunately, ruling body Uefa got behind the referee and threw the book at Buffon. I’d show it to you but an ant carried it away. Yup, they did nothing. He called the English referee an ‘‘assassin of dreams’’ with ‘‘a rubbish bin’’ in place of a heart. Days later he told Italian media he would react that way all over again because he’s a human being and passionate.
I’m sure Oliver is also very passionate about protecting his family after his wife, a referee, too, received threatening texts after her mobile number was posted on social media. They were offered police protection.
Folau may also be wondering what all the fuss is about. He’s a Christian man, speaking his truth that God’s plan for gays is hell. Buffon has learned that it’s completely acceptable to harass and abuse a referee on the field. In my opinion, these are not matters of right and wrong, they’re about having empathy for your fellow man and woman.
The sad thing about football is it took threats to a family before European football’s governing body said, ‘‘Uefa strongly condemns the abuse directed at Michael Oliver and his wife.’’ Nothing calms the mob like strong words.
Actually, doing something about the behaviour of their players might help too. And I’m thrilled and shocked that Chiefs’ halfback Brad Weber went off script and had an opinion, saying he was disgusted by Folau’s comments. TJ Perenara also deserves respect for stepping out of the rugby man cave yet again in support of gay rights. It shows leadership but, more importantly, athletes considered the embodiment of manhood have said publicly that it’s OK to be who you are.
How strange the beautiful game should be taking lessons from down and dirty rugby, a sport that also backs its referees. Football could take notes but that would require it to follow the lead of a bunch of thugs who have to be tackled before they roll around on the ground in agony. So uncouth.
I don’t want Folau and Buffon to be stopped from voicing an opinion, or be stopped from playing a sport they love. But it needs to be made clear that there’s a difference between opinion and hate speech or inciting harassment and violence. You don’t have to agree with a referee’s decision or a person’s sexual preference. All we ask is that you realise your words can be far more powerful and influential than your skills on the field. It may not be just a try or goal at stake, it may be someone’s life.