I am a huge soccer fan. I love the game, the atmosphere and the people I’ve met through it. I started playing soccer when I was six and I haven’t stopped since.
In my many years of soccer, I’ve moved, switched leagues and joined new teams. Wherever I go, the mentality towards referees has always remained the same. Everyone hates the referee. Or at least, they love to hate the referee. And it’s so easy because one bad call and the loss is blamed on the ref.
At the many games I’ve played, I’ve had my share of questionable calls by the referees. I’ve been pushed down to the ground with no foul called, yet the slightest elbow jab will bring a whistle. Although I’ve been upset in the moment, I’ve never taken it to the extent that a teenager in Utah did.
A couple months ago in Taylorsville, Utah, a yellow card prompted a 17-year-old soccer player to punch referee Ricardo Portillo in the face. Portillo was sent to the hospital and was found to have suffered from internal head injuries. After spending seven days in a coma, Portillo died. The juvenile who punched him pleaded guilty to homicide by assault and was tried as a juvenile.
I was astonished when I read the article. How have we gotten away from the love, passion and pure enjoyment of the game?
Parents have become too overbearing on their children during games. Coaches are pushing their players too far. Fans have been repeatedly told to tone it down before, during and after games.
Yes, I know it’s cheesy, but how have we let this happened? And when did it become acceptable for a player to punch a referee just because of a yellow card?
As the fall season is starting, I challenge you to change your mindset towards referees. Whether you are a player or a fan, be respectful and remember that they’re only trying to do their job. Be grateful that they are refereeing your game because, let’s be honest, would you really want to be spending multiple hours a weekend running up and down the sidelines only to get yelled at?
Although you probably won’t find me on the sidelines wearing the famous black and white stripes, I’ll be sure to be extra appreciative of the referees. And the only thing you’ll find me fighting over are the last orange and apple slices.
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