Sports

Sports

‘Sorry’ is no excuse
By Vimal Perera
During a match between Celtic league against Cardiff at Stradey Park a home spectator, confronted all black great Jonah Lomu , and verbally abused and threw the ball away from the wing. A a life ban has been handed to the 'fan' who confronted Jonah Lomu and he was told thathe would not be welcome back at Stradey following his 'irresponsible and unacceptably aggressive behavior. The club also issued a written apology to Lomu and his club after the incident.

The relevance of the Lomu affair is that we live, at times, in a rugby environment of such unacceptable behavior. One hears of spectators who from hallowed precincts of pavilions hurl abuse at officials as well as players. There seem to be no responsible official who could advice against the vile behavior and use of words which are not the vocabulary in a civilized society. Just as the clubs must assume responsibility for members and spectators on its premises the greater importance is for old boys of schools to be of example to the younger generation. It is hopeful that the season of 2006 will see better example.

What happened at the Singer sevens played last week was sad. The situation poses greater threat for the future if the incidents of this nature go unchecked. The walk out if not addressed and dealt with might lead to events of reaction.The action of a player assaulting an intruder must also be addressed irrespective of personalities. What was an intruder doing on the field and for what purpose did he enter the playing area? Was it to give encouragement to the player that had scored a try? I do not think the conduct of a game gives any trainer and or coach a right to run into the playing area after a try is scored. Maintenance of acceptable standards cannot be left only in the hands of the referee and the match organizers. It is the responsibility of all involved to “ensure that the game is played and conducted in accordance with the disciplined and sporting behavior and acknowledge that it is not sufficient to rely solely on Match Officials to maintain those principles”

It may also be pertinent to address the actions of the intruder who first ran towards the player of the opposing side who was on the ground smarting after a severe hand off he received from the try scorer. Were the actions intended to taunt and be provocative? Verbal and hand gestures that followed ended in fisticuffs which led to others getting involved and the match being abandoned. While I don’t condone the actions of the players it is necessary to address the root cause if we are to avoid repetition.

Whatever may be the provocation there should not have been any body who should have laid a hand on this intruder. That matter should have been reported to the referee who could have removed him if he was indeed with the team. If not the security could have taken him in for disorderly behavior.
The loutish behavior of an individual who may be driven by emotion of a try being scored or as a result of wanting to have your say your way has lead to a situating that is unnecessary for the game.

The behavior of both: the so called trainer as well as the alleged punch thrower player has to be condemned. The management must consider the code of conduct circulated to the clubs and schools and take appropriate action on statements made purported to be by responsible officials if the game is to be managed. Hopefully those responsible, will be made of sterner stuff, and are not mere circulators of papers, the contents of which are not enforced.

Now that the untoward has happened it is necessary to take stock and have in place a system to ensure that the bench comprises of people who are supposed to be there. Those entering the playing area must be authorized and or approved. The climate being as it is in Sri Lanka it may be necessary for players to have access to water on more than one occasion. In paratactic here or elsewhere they allow water to be brought in at a breakdown point. It may be necessary to review this for the future. Water boys have to be water boys.

This should not be abused by coaches taking the stand that they are the water boys. Similarly the physic or a medical person is allowed on the field in case of an injury. It may now be necessary to have checks and balances in place. It may be imperative that the water boys as well as the physic be dressed in a colour different to the players. They will have to wear an Apron of a reflective colour. There will also be a need for teams to declare with the team list the names of officials. It will then be easy to identify and remove from the bench others who encroach. These have to be done and enforced to stamp out the threat to the game. An oaf who may be called, player or official should not have a place in rugby.

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