Following the increasing rate of footballers growling and snarling at match officials over recent seasons the FA finally decided it had to act. Introducing the much scrutinised Respect campaign, with half the season gone now seems an appropriate time to see what affect it’s had on the Premiership. Wigan Athletic’s rough and ready midfield general Michael Brown has been giving his view on the campaign’s influence.
Most will recall Ashley Cole’s infantile behaviour towards Referee Mike Riley during an encounter last season with Tottenham at White Hart Lane, which undoubtedly was a fitting example to emphasise the point referees needed help. A thought echoed by Brown who felt the attitude of some players towards match officials had become ridiculous and this season he has noticed a visible change of attitude on the pitch. He said: “The refs don’t get too many favours and it was about time we started giving them a little a bit of slack.”
Although this has ment the ever exuberant Brown has become a victim of this years stricter referring: “My reputation really doesn’t help, often after the first challenge I make I get booked.” That being said he is sympathetic to the role match officials have: “It’s a very difficult job and I wouldn’t like to do it. Admittedly in the past I’ve made bad challenges and not always been punished for them.” Highlighting a challenge he made on Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford whlist Brown was a Fulham player.
Brown 32, admits the Respect campaign has been a success since it’s introduction but in response he raises an interesting point that players seem to be losing respect. Citing the treatment of Arsenal’s Emanuel Eboue by his own fans, which Brown witnessed during Wigan’s away trip to Arsenal at the weekend. Which he described as: “Disgraceful scenes.” To such an extent that Brown, who was on the bench at the time considered intervening: “No professional deserves that kind of treatment and you really wouldn’t expect it from your own supporters. Everyone has their bad days and you don‘t need reminding, we know.” Suggesting that with the transfer window upon the horizon the Ivory Coast international may want to leave the club: “It wouldn’t surprise if come January 1st the lad went to see Mr. Wenger and handed in a transfer request and made a swift exit.”
Given that Brown mentioned the transfer window he was asked to respond to transfer speculation surrounding Wigan Athletic’s brighter lights. For some time the likes of Emile Heskey, Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios have been linked with moves away the club. As well as the club’s on-loan goal sensation Amir Zaki who has a long list of admirers, Brown jokingly said: “Let them all go! We can survive without them.” Which certainly defused the tension in the air and raised a few laughs. Then stressing: “Obviously those players are important to the team and it would be a great shame to lose them. If the worse happens then I’m sure the gaffer can find worthy replacements.”
Brown told his experience of watching Amir Zaki adapt to life in England and learning to speak English. “He’s a smart lad he’s picking up the language quite well.” Although it seems he can have the odd lapse: “When things aren’t going his away in training he can’t speak a word of English.”
Nearing the twilight of his career Brown is now looking towards the future, at what he calls: “Growing up after my career finishes.” He is currently thinking over what his next step is but for now is still completely focused on playing and helping his side push on up the Premier League table. “Everyday me and Kev Kilbane come into training just thankful that our bodies are still going.”
Most will recall Ashley Cole’s infantile behaviour towards Referee Mike Riley during an encounter last season with Tottenham at White Hart Lane, which undoubtedly was a fitting example to emphasise the point referees needed help. A thought echoed by Brown who felt the attitude of some players towards match officials had become ridiculous and this season he has noticed a visible change of attitude on the pitch. He said: “The refs don’t get too many favours and it was about time we started giving them a little a bit of slack.”
Although this has ment the ever exuberant Brown has become a victim of this years stricter referring: “My reputation really doesn’t help, often after the first challenge I make I get booked.” That being said he is sympathetic to the role match officials have: “It’s a very difficult job and I wouldn’t like to do it. Admittedly in the past I’ve made bad challenges and not always been punished for them.” Highlighting a challenge he made on Ryan Giggs at Old Trafford whlist Brown was a Fulham player.
Brown 32, admits the Respect campaign has been a success since it’s introduction but in response he raises an interesting point that players seem to be losing respect. Citing the treatment of Arsenal’s Emanuel Eboue by his own fans, which Brown witnessed during Wigan’s away trip to Arsenal at the weekend. Which he described as: “Disgraceful scenes.” To such an extent that Brown, who was on the bench at the time considered intervening: “No professional deserves that kind of treatment and you really wouldn’t expect it from your own supporters. Everyone has their bad days and you don‘t need reminding, we know.” Suggesting that with the transfer window upon the horizon the Ivory Coast international may want to leave the club: “It wouldn’t surprise if come January 1st the lad went to see Mr. Wenger and handed in a transfer request and made a swift exit.”
Given that Brown mentioned the transfer window he was asked to respond to transfer speculation surrounding Wigan Athletic’s brighter lights. For some time the likes of Emile Heskey, Antonio Valencia and Wilson Palacios have been linked with moves away the club. As well as the club’s on-loan goal sensation Amir Zaki who has a long list of admirers, Brown jokingly said: “Let them all go! We can survive without them.” Which certainly defused the tension in the air and raised a few laughs. Then stressing: “Obviously those players are important to the team and it would be a great shame to lose them. If the worse happens then I’m sure the gaffer can find worthy replacements.”
Brown told his experience of watching Amir Zaki adapt to life in England and learning to speak English. “He’s a smart lad he’s picking up the language quite well.” Although it seems he can have the odd lapse: “When things aren’t going his away in training he can’t speak a word of English.”
Nearing the twilight of his career Brown is now looking towards the future, at what he calls: “Growing up after my career finishes.” He is currently thinking over what his next step is but for now is still completely focused on playing and helping his side push on up the Premier League table. “Everyday me and Kev Kilbane come into training just thankful that our bodies are still going.”
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