PGowdy said:weasel said:Ps, another thins I think Football could learn from hockey, swearing is a yellow card straight off, ditto contesting the refs decision. Swear AT the ref and it's a red.
Bring that into the PL and suddenly the swearing at the ref and contesting every decision stops. Especially when Wazza and JT pick up two red cards in their first two games of the season.
We used to have this in my saturday league. You could get away with a little swearing if not aggressive but if you swore at the ref you'd be very lucky not to be sent off. I'm amazed that players are allowed to talk to the lines-man and referee in a way that would get you fired from a job, expelled from school or punched in the face in the pub. It really makes no sense to allow it.
Yeah, you can swear on a hockey pitch. FFS I wouldn't last ten minutes if you couldn't, but you have to be careful what word you use and how you swear. If it's at yourself after you make a mistake 9 times out of 10 the umpire will say nothing. If it's at the other team and done aggressively, you'll get a yellow. If it's at the umpire in any way, most will red card you straight off. TBH I understand why they do it. Who gives up a Sat afternoon to take dogs abuse from random strangers. As you said, you wouldn't do it in work or on the street so why should football refs take it?
You can also question decisions as long as it's a basic " what was that for?" Asked in a genuinely confused/enquiring way. If you do it with any hint of aggression or in the wrong tone you're off. Also, it depends on the umpire and the general feel of the game. But it's easier to have the blanket bans there and allow a little common sense or leeway to be used, rather than the other way around.