Booing hurts football players

Lazarus Sauti

Sid Dorfman – writer and Star-Ledger columnist believes that injury is not the only thing that hurts football players; boos have ill effects, too.

It hurts players because it can destroy a player’s confidence and confidence is everything in football.

Booing is an act of showing displeasure for football players, by loudly yelling boo! (and holding the "oo" sound) or making other noises of disparagement, such as hissing.

People may make hand signs at the player, such as the thumbs down sign. If football fans particularly dislike the performance they may also accompany booing by throwing objects.

In football, booing by fans is quite common. Fans may boo particularly-hated players on the opposing team or any opposing player when there is an intense rivalry between the teams.

The bottom line is booing is common but it is not right and should not be accepted in football grounds in Africa and abroad. Booing is an act that is tantamount to unsporting behaviour.

Booing paints a bad picture for a football club. In this modern era, image is everything. Thus, booing tarnishes the image of football clubs.

South Africa’s crack outfit Kaizer Chiefs slammed a section of their fans for booing players.

“Kaizer Chiefs would like to condemn in the strongest possible terms the behaviour by a section of ‘supporters’ at the home game against Free State Stars in a league encounter played on Saturday, 16 February 2013”, a statement on the club’s official website read.

“The club observed with utter disgust the booing of certain players coupled with the hand and whistling demonstrations signalling to try and force the technical team to effect substitutions. This phenomenon is persisting in our football and needs to be stopped as a matter of urgency.”

Kaizer Chief’s statement shows that booing is one of those lost causes that deserve national attention, considering the remarkable damage.

Honestly, football players sometimes suffer lifelong damage because of booing. It makes a player’s game harder.

As Frank Lampard – Chelsea and England midfielder put is, “You can be the most strong-minded player in the world, but when you are getting booed, it makes your game a little bit tougher.”

The sad thing about booing is that there are fans who arrive at stadiums to cause problems and the perpetrators occupy strategic seats.

Kaizer Chiefs Corporate Communications Manager, Vina Maphosa tells the club’s official website: “Fans arrive at the stadium with intentional bad behaviour. In most cases, booing is orchestrated and premeditated. Players are booed at the first touch of the ball while abuse is hurled to them.”

This behaviour of booing players saddens them. It pains players to see their fans turn against their own teams.

Zimbabwe’s Dynamos midfielder, Russel Madamombe, says players needs the support of their fans. He said: “Even if I make mistakes, I do not think I deserve the booing. Why cannot they (supporters) clap for me even if I mess up?”

Madamombe said these words after he was booed on his debut match for Dynamos against Lesotho Correctional Services.

Ultimately, the duty of fans is to support the team not to boo players. Supporters should have patience with their players.

Dorfman writes: “Some fans get so caught up in the heat of the moment that they forget these players are just players who may be dealing with injuries or personal problems. They should have fortitude with their players. They should not burden them.”

The most damaging impact of booing is that it divides supporters and it also increases pressure on players. If targeted players are not strong enough, they will make mistakes that will cost their team dearly.

Coaches should not succumb to fans’ pressure. Instead, they should protect players from boo boys.

Former national team coach, Norman Mapeza once said, “Fans should not boo players but must encourage players when they make mistakes.”

He said these words protecting Lincoln Zvasiya after he made a mistake that gifted South Africa with a goal in a friendly match against Zimbabwe.

However, football administrators should urge their supporters to avoid throwing missiles on the pitch, booing players and signalling at the coach to effect substitutions.

Clubs should continue to engage supporters to teach and spread the message of educating the supporters in this regard.

Booing is primitive and half-hearted way of expressing displeasure to a team. This should be highlighted to all supporters. The supporters should be 100 percent behind their teams in good times and in times of need.