Quote Originally Posted by WTF11 View Post
Well, if true (see previous post on the subject of whinging), it would be just about par for the course, given the juvenile antics of just about every Burnley player, but Barnes was giving a masterclass on how to be a first class cry-baby.

Like you, I doubt that the FA would have the spine to take on this kind of behaviour/accusation, but we live in hope.

More to the point (perhaps) is the question as to why, in a sport which has substantially less physical contact than in rugby (either code), is it still permissible for players to "get in the face" of match officials as we saw yesterday (and see regularly in all matches)?. Same process should apply, when the ref makes a call, players accept, good or bad, or they get sin-binned and leave their team mates to suffer from their poor manners. Why not?
As a supporter of rugby, I am constantly embarrassed and amazed by the pathetic play acting, histrionics and rolling around on the ground that is routinely displayed by far too many modern footballers. The contrast with rugby where guys are regularly getting properly smashed and just get up and get on with it is startling. Also, as you say, the respect shown to referees in rugby is something football could learn a lot from. A strong revamp of the rules, rigourously applied would go a long way to removing dissent and moaning from the game. Somehow, I doubt that the FA or FIFA will have the spine to implement it.