Should 'star' players get more protection from the refs?

Zidane ended his World Cup 06 in tatters after a headbutt on Materazzi after the latter provoked the former. Ronaldo had a similar red card experience with Pompey's Richard Hughes but with stakes lower.



Is there a growing trend on thuggery and intimidation on the pitch? Or is the game breeding a whole new generation of pansies who retaliate at the slightest trash talk?



What should be done to rid the game of these unwanted elements?

Should 'star' players get more protection from the refs?
Not neccessarily every moment, but the refs should understand situations a bit more. They should analyse whether or not the situation was cause by the fact he is star player or by another player being aggravated by something on the pitch. They are 2 different things. Look at the stamp by Michael Ball on Ronaldo last season for example, that was the purest example of aggravation caused by jealousy i have ever seen. The match only just started. Pure ruthlessness, i think he should have been banned for 6 month. He didnt get a just punishment. Remember Cantona being banned for 9 months? Ball got off lightly.



Having said this thought, i think Ronny was provoked, although he should have just ignored the guy because Ronny is above all that. Look at Beckham 98, he just gave in to the provocation.
Reply:No. The " star " players are elitist enough. A stricter discipline from the refs is required for the thugs. Perhaps the refs should carry a cane and deliver six 'o' the best for minor indiscretions on each occassion.

Might slow the game down a bit but it would be mighty entertaining.
Reply:i don't really agree any player should get different treatments from the rest cos it'll bring the game to a dispute.



as a pro, they should know the "ins" and "outs" of the game. thrash talk is part of the "tactics" used often to unsettle players.
Reply:Nah! Its not fair tht way
Reply:yah i agree...



im sick of watching skill players like van persie get kicked up down left right front back centre north south east west when he has the ball/going to receive the ball



some defenders are just losers (yes, zat knight, im talking to u)
Reply:The players earn god knows how much money a week and should be able to not react to every little bit of provocation on the pitch. I used to play semi pro and if we had reacted to people winding us up we would have been dropped for a long time. There is nothing we can do to get rid of it aslong as players react they will get wound up I have no sympathy for ronaldo or zidane. Zidane ruined his last match by nutting that bloke he didn t have to and ronald didnt have to head butt anyone
Reply:I don't think anyone should get "protection"... I think anyone who starts anything should be suspended for a month of games... they make too much money as it is... and should know how to behave....



just my thoughts
Reply:no!!
Reply:the players shouldnt be doing it anyway,or we wouldnt be blaming the refs,poor things..
Reply:NO. TRASH TALKING IS PART OF EVERY SPORTS CULTURE. THIS FORUM IS NOT SPARED FROM TRASH TALKERS EITHER.



IGNORANCE IS BLISS, THEY SAY. IGNORING THE PROVOCATEURS IS THE BEST WAY TO DEAL WITH THIS SUPPOSED PROBLEM.
Reply:Why should they get preferential treatment?!?! If they can't stand the verbal insults...don't play the game!! If I got paid 50 grand a week to get insulted i'd grab it like a shot!! The 'elite' players need to remember that the best way to shut up those who are doing the talking is to humiliate them on the pitch and laugh at them as you walk off!!
Reply:since star players always get "special" treatment from the opponents, they should also be entitled to more protection from the referee!



i guess its fairer that way ;)

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