Sports Greatest Rivalries

The Professional Footballers’ Association Chairman Clarke Carlisle met with FA Chairman David Bernstein at Wembley Stadium on Thursday evening.

In his role as Chairman of the PFA, Carlisle has recently called for improvements in player conduct and for football authorities to show leadership.

As a result of this, Bernstein requested the meeting to discuss player behaviour, particularly relating to on-field comments aimed at opponents and use of social media.

After the meeting, Bernstein said: “It is very important The FA and PFA can discuss issues and new challenges facing the game and I was delighted by the pro-active approach that Clarke has shown in his role as PFA Chairman.

“Some on-field dialogue between opposing players undoubtedly crosses the line between what was once viewed as banter into serious personalised abuse.

“While I fully understand football is a high octane sport, played with tremendous passion, I believe players really do need to exercise some self-discipline in expressing their emotions on the pitch. 

“This doesn’t mean players will never curse when they make a mistake for example, or suffer at the hands of a bad tackle, but this is very different to singling out an opponent for personal abuse.

“After the incredible high performance and sporting spirit we have seen at the Olympic Games, players must recognise that with the privilege of playing comes the responsibility for managing themselves and their behaviours in a similar way.

“In so doing they can also have a positive effect on young people who follow and play the game.

“The discipline and dedication of our athletes has provided a benchmark that all sportsmen and women and can aspire towards. As we begin the football season with The Community Shield on Sunday, it is important players embrace what we have seen over the past two weeks and maintain it.” 

Carlisle added: “I was pleased to be called by David Bernstein, as was Gordon Taylor (PFA Chief Executive).

“What we’re discussing here is not a new campaign or initiative, it is continuing to reinforce the need for not only players but also managers, coaches, chief executives, chairmen, referees and supporters to show respect for the game itself.

“There is always going to be intense rivalry amongst the heat of a game, but that does not mean players should lose all respect for opponents and we need to educate our members in the need to temper their language towards one another.

“During Euro 2012 there was a good level of behaviour both on and off the pitch. Undoubtedly, there was a reduction in players pressurising officials and the attitude towards opponents was of a very high level. This has been further enhanced by the performances of Team GB at the Olympics and the general level of respect between athletes and opponents has been outstanding. 

“These positives should be taken forward into the new season and players have an opportunity to continue to develop not only a high level of performance but also respect for their fellow professionals, match officials and the game itself.

“It is also important with the ongoing development of social media that players are educated properly and the PFA has been involved in discussions with the Premier League, the Football League and The Football Association and guidelines have been drawn up which have been issued to many clubs. I also understand that The FA gave similar advice to England ahead of the Euros and will have policies in place in the future.

“As we approach the start of the new season, it does seem the right time to re-emphasise the importance of the way we conduct ourselves towards our fellow professionals on the pitch.”

There will be exclusive video interviews with both David Bernstein and Clarke Carlisle on FATV on Sunday morning.

Article source: http://www.thefa.com/TheFA/NewsAndFeatures/2012/fa-pfa-meeting-110812