Sheik djibouti
Well-known member
- Joined
- 8 Dec 2017
- Messages
- 6,357
The hits are bigger, yes, but they have done quite a bit to eradicate serious foul play in rugby (and foul play is what we are talking about here). Rule changes (ie at the ruck/breakdown and in the tackle), the disciplinary procedures, coupled with the ability to cite players after the game seem to worked to a certain extent. They are far from perfect but there are big penalties for foul play and showing a lack of respect for officials and they do act as a deterrent.Rugby is becoming a completely brutal game in the professional era but I do not think the players go out with the intention of deliberately injuring an opposing player (and fellow pro), but I have no doubt whatsoever that some football managers / coaches instruct their players to foul opposing players. A pound to a pinch of s**t that ferguson told his players to go in hard on Marcus browne whenever they could.
imo, suspensions have to be consistent and disciplinary panels would be the wrong way to go, but would agree that certain offences should merit longer bans, e.g. serious foul play v deliberate hand ball for example.
I think there should be guidelines on the length of ban for certain offences (as there are in rugby), but whether it can be judged to be done with intent, whether the offender showed any remorse or apologised and how badly they injured the victim should (IMHO) be taken into account when deciding where within a specified range a ban should fall....why not??
Foul and abusive language to the ref is likely to get you a longer ban than punching an opponent....imagine that in football...that would teach a few scrotes (players and managers) a bit of respect!