Will new rules result in new attitudes? Officials in South America hope so. Following years of verbal attacks after almost every call, Brazilian soccer (football) refs are laying down the law. And the change has many players and coaches upset.
South America is known as “the country of football.” Quick and skillful Brazilian players are among the best in the world. But evidently they are also world-class complainers.
An article in the Wall Street Journal during the last World Cup illustrates. Studies of over 293 matches showed Brazil as the “Team Most Commonly Seen in Anguish.”
Displeased players flop, throw tantrums, and protest. Brazilian referees say the behavior has gotten out of hand. So the Brazilian Football Confederation gave referees the go-ahead to crack down on bad behavior. The organization hopes to change a culture of extreme complaining.
The result has been a large increase in yellow cards. These warnings are given to players after rules violations such as unsporting behavior and delays of game. Two yellow cards in a game equal an automatic red card and ejection from the field.
Since the anti-complaining emphasis, Brazilian refs have flashed more than 100 yellow cards, an average of two per game.
Players are especially upset. Sometimes they get in trouble for simply approaching an official. “I’m afraid to even greet the referee because I may get a card,” says a São Paulo midfielder. “It’s complicated when you can’t even talk to the referees.”
One player reports questioning a referee after receiving two yellow cards. The referee admitted the player didn’t offend him but just complained too much.
Sergio Correa is the head of confederation referees. He notes that the actions of complaining players can quickly become disrespectful. That attitude spreads to fans.
Other players believe strong rules enforcement is important in a culture that disrespects referees. “They are doing the right thing,” says one South American coach.
For Christians, respecting authority is a no-brainer. God instructs us to obey and submit. (Hebrews 13:17) Sinful people need rules and governors for our own good. However, the Bible also commends those who confront authorities in the right spirit: The prophet Nathan approached David. (II Samuel 12) The persistent widow pursued the unjust judge. (Luke 18) The hard part is balancing conflict and a good attitude.
Rules don’t change hearts. That’s one reason Proverbs advises Christians to guard the heart “for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV)—even on the soccer pitch.
