I have thoroughly enjoyed the World Cup and I feel incredibly proud of our country, its new infrastructure, our unique people and the countries incredible commitment to the entire life changing event.

It is a pity that this spectacle has been sullied by the majority of the players and participants.

They call it “The Beautiful Game” but I beg to differ. In essence, the manner in which soccer is being played mirrors the sad decline of what were once acceptable morals and ethics within our society.

I believe the players have been given far too long a leash by the various governing bodies and referees.

However, I lay less blame on the door step of the referees as they seem to be inextricably linked to a player culture based on excessive swearing, kicking, biting, faking, limping, howling, cheating, hypocritical nonsense.

Unfortunately, yellow cards are a rather ineffective way of trying to marshal this mess. More effective ruling needs to be introduced and a culture similar to the rugby player culture, where no player dares to even look at a referee in a strange way, needs to be established.

Surely this will bring even more fans to the game and make it a wonderful spectacle rather than a sad indictment for the world’s highest paid athletes?

I for one am tired of seeing the following:

1. Players that writhe in agony holding various parts of their anatomy that were no way impacted when the traumatic incident is shown on any of the 342 slow motion cameras.

2. Players that sneak forward a few steps at a time giving themselves about an extra 10 meters from where the throw-in was originally awarded.

3. All players on one team vigorously appealing that the ball should be a goal kick while all players on the other one team vigorously appeal that is should be a corner.


4. Players rushing up to the referee aggressively when decisions are made that are either good for them, or bad for them.

5. Players changing the courses of matches through reprehensible actions and then celebrating in an overjoyed manner with their victorious team.

FIFA should ask themselves about the example that they are setting for the youth, in a sport where cheats are often vindicated and appalling sportsmanship is often rewarded.

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