Dad heabutts child during a match

[Huffton]

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/8939185.Dad_headbutts_boy__15__during_football_match/

 

Unbelievable.

[Colinjb]

Not surprised.

 

Many parents get very, very worked up by these kind of games. I personally have been assaulted by a parent for substituting his child during my time as a manager. It would only be a matter of time until something like this would happen.

[Foxstone]

My son was playing on the adjacent pitch.

 

While I did not see the incident there was a huge commotion, and the referree of our game halted proceedings so he could go and assist the ref of that particular game keep order as best he could. I saw the assaulted lad and he did have a pretty bloody nose.

3 Police Cars turned up quite quickly, but by then things had settled down somewhat.

 

I do hope the man who resorted to this thuggery is not allowed near another youth football match again - Notwithstanding the fact that he clearly has an anger problem, he is an appalling example to his own son and his teammates.

[Window Cleaner]

Not surprised.

 

Many parents get very, very worked up by these kind of games. I personally have been assaulted by a parent for substituting his child during my time as a manager. It would only be a matter of time until something like this would happen.

 

Some people aren't fit to be parents....it's a simple as that.

[Thedelldays]

I remember being about 15 and playing for Mansel and the game had to be called off because two dads were fighting on the sidelines

[Huffton]

I don't know enough about the law and I won't go down the hysterical Echo path, but why did he only get a caution?

[bridge too far]

There was a lot of debate on R5 Live this morning - about respect for referees but, inevitably, the discussion centred around whether example should be set at the top of the game or at grass roots level.

 

Whilst I think a lot of young players mimic their role models, I also think some parents have a lot to answer for. FFS their child isn't playing for Barcelona! The way they shout and scream at their children is just awful. And that attitude carries forward to how these parents treat the opposition and the match officials.

 

I bet junior football would be a lot happier if parents were banned from the touchline. It would stop conflicting messages being screamed at the children too.

 

I well remember one father calling my 9 year old son a fairy - he was asthmatic at the time and had stopped to breathe. My (then) husband then proceeded to push the other father around for insulting his son.

 

The grown-ups are worse than the kids, I reckon.

[Jonnyboy]

There was a lot of debate on R5 Live this morning - about respect for referees but, inevitably, the discussion centred around whether example should be set at the top of the game or at grass roots level.

 

Whilst I think a lot of young players mimic their role models, I also think some parents have a lot to answer for. FFS their child isn't playing for Barcelona! The way they shout and scream at their children is just awful. And that attitude carries forward to how these parents treat the opposition and the match officials.

 

I bet junior football would be a lot happier if parents were banned from the touchline. It would stop conflicting messages being screamed at the children too.

 

I well remember one father calling my 9 year old son a fairy - he was asthmatic at the time and had stopped to breathe. My (then) husband then proceeded to push the other father around for insulting his son.

 

The grown-ups are worse than the kids, I reckon.

 

Some one at that show made a good point that in football it is hyper competitive from too early an age with leagues etc

[View From The Top]

My nipper plays under 9's in the Mid Staffs Junior League and I'm yet to hear abusive parents TBH.

[View From The Top]

Some one at that show made a good point that in football it is hyper competitive from too early an age with leagues etc

 

Nah. The kids want to play in leagues and cups. It's up to the clubs and parents to install the correct attitude and not the "win at any cost" mentality and, TBH, with one or two exceptions, that's all I've seen in a season and a half.

[Window Cleaner]

Nah. The kids want to play in leagues and cups. It's up to the clubs and parents to install the correct attitude and not the "win at any cost" mentality and, TBH, with one or two exceptions, that's all I've seen in a season and a half.

 

 

Unfortunately "win at all cost" is sometimes the mentality needed from a very young age if you want to be a great player or a great champion.I know a few, they'd never be where they are today if their parents didn't kick ass when they got "soft".

Not condoning it but it is necessary in some cases.Depends really on just how much talent the kids have, no point flogging a dead horse really.

[Colinjb]

My nipper plays under 9's in the Mid Staffs Junior League and I'm yet to hear abusive parents TBH.

 

You are extremely lucky.

[View From The Top]

Unfortunately "win at all cost" is sometimes the mentality needed from a very young age if you want to be a great player or a great champion.I know a few, they'd never be where they are today if their parents didn't kick ass when they got "soft".

Not condoning it but it is necessary in some cases.Depends really on just how much talent the kids have, no point flogging a dead horse really.

 

One of the nippers has been fast forwarded to the Moan Utd academy and Brian Little is often there scouting and they are looking for raw talent. Kids football doesn't need to be about just winning (although it's nice when it happens)

 

Around half the clubs in my sons league take players of all abilities and others only take the very best (trials, selection process etc). He currently plays for the former but is wanted by one of the latter but I'm unsure that it's the best path to go down at such a young age.

[dune]

I can't believe he got let off with a caution. It's lucky he butted the kid and didn't rattle the fence instead or he could've been in big trouble.

[View From The Top]

You are extremely lucky.

 

I used to run a junior team and one of the dads used to get so angry he'd go and sit in the car to stop himself exploding with rage. Always found that very odd.

[aintforever]

I can't believe the scumbag got away with a £100 fine, no wonder this country is f*cked.

[Hamilton Saint]

The soccer club I'm involved with provides divisions for kids (boys and girls) aged 4-15. Up 'til the age of 14, the divisions do not keep stats of the games. It's a season of friendlies. There are strict rules about coach and parent behaviour. No criticism of referees and refereeing decisions is tolerated. The whole culture of the club is focused on sportsmanlike behaviour, which often seems like an alien concept these days!

[Miffy]

My son was playing on the adjacent pitch.

 

While I did not see the incident there was a huge commotion, and the referree of our game halted proceedings so he could go and assist the ref of that particular game keep order as best he could. I saw the assaulted lad and he did have a pretty bloody nose.

3 Police Cars turned up quite quickly, but by then things had settled down somewhat.

 

I do hope the man who resorted to this thuggery is not allowed near another youth football match again - Notwithstanding the fact that he clearly has an anger problem, he is an appalling example to his own son and his teammates.

 

My son was also playing on the adjacent pitch (must have been the same game as your son) and I saw the whole incident. There was a bit of a tussle between two players, right next to the touchline in front of the parents. This bloke ran on and headbutted the lad on the other team (I'm pretty sure the Echo got the teams the wrong way round, it was a BTC lad that was headbutted by a Totton parent). Couldn't believe my eyes.

 

I think the bloke who did it realised immediately what he had done and looked pretty sheepish whilst some of the other parents tried to get at him. That game had an experience ref in charge and he should be commended for his handling of the situation, taking charge and calming things down quite quickly. The victims mother was absolutely furious and would have murdered the bloke if she had got to him, I don't think the lads Dad was around.

 

I also felt bad the idiots son who looked completely shocked and scared by the whole thing. I hope he is deeply ashamed of himself.

 

The atmosphere at some of the tyro games I attend is pretty unpleasant between parents, and now there are almost segregation rules in place, which is crazy.

[LVSaint]

Bloody pikey.

 

I am an assistant coach on my 8 year old's team in the local leagues. I often see thick fathers argue with the poor refs (who are older teenagers) at the end of games or opposing coaches get upset and vent over a bad decision but not yet seen violence erupt...only a matter of time. I hear it goes on all the time. I thought it was an 'American thing', didn't realise how it happens a lot over there too.

[Deppo]

The soccer club I'm involved with provides divisions for kids (boys and girls) aged 4-15. Up 'til the age of 14, the divisions do not keep stats of the games. It's a season of friendlies. There are strict rules about coach and parent behaviour. No criticism of referees and refereeing decisions is tolerated. The whole culture of the club is focused on sportsmanlike behaviour, which often seems like an alien concept these days!

 

Exactly. And this is exactly why Canada produces a long line of world-beaters the likes of Owen Hargreaves, Paul Peschisolido, Simeon Jackson and Paul Stalteri.

Edited 29 March, 2011 by Deppo

[Micky]

I used to coach kids football and on many occassions I was required to referee the matches and to be honest some of the behaviour of some parents was quite horendous.

 

If you actually take the time to watch and listen to many of them, they are actually living out their own failed ambitions through their children - which is sad. Not all parents fit into this category, but unfortunately many do.

 

My son was playing in a game once, and I remember one parent who stood on the side line watching his son, small ginger haired bloke, not shouting or anything - just offering the odd word of advice here and there. But then again it was probably quite easy for Gordon Strachan.

Edited 29 March, 2011 by Micky

[Colinjb]

The atmosphere at some of the tyro games I attend is pretty unpleasant between parents, and now there are almost segregation rules in place, which is crazy.

 

The Birmingham FA (which Coventry falls under) has already adopted segregation for all FA Chartered clubs.

 

We had to lay down a coned line along the touchsides either side of the pitch. (About 3 yards back.) The parents/coaches from either club must stand on opposite sides of the pitch and are not allowed in front of the coned line, only the Coaches and referees are allowed in front of it.

[Deppo]

The Birmingham FA (which Coventry falls under) has already adopted segregation for all FA Chartered clubs.

 

We had to lay down a coned line along the touchsides either side of the pitch. (About 3 yards back.) The parents/coaches from either club must stand on opposite sides of the pitch and are not allowed in front of the coned line, only the Coaches and referees are allowed in front of it.

 

If anything will stop an enraged parent from running on the pitch and headbutting a child, it would probably be some well placed cones.

[Foxstone]

My son was also playing on the adjacent pitch (must have been the same game as your son) and I saw the whole incident. There was a bit of a tussle between two players, right next to the touchline in front of the parents. This bloke ran on and headbutted the lad on the other team (I'm pretty sure the Echo got the teams the wrong way round, it was a BTC lad that was headbutted by a Totton parent). Couldn't believe my eyes.

 

I think the bloke who did it realised immediately what he had done and looked pretty sheepish whilst some of the other parents tried to get at him. That game had an experience ref in charge and he should be commended for his handling of the situation, taking charge and calming things down quite quickly. The victims mother was absolutely furious and would have murdered the bloke if she had got to him, I don't think the lads Dad was around.

 

I also felt bad the idiots son who looked completely shocked and scared by the whole thing. I hope he is deeply ashamed of himself.

 

The atmosphere at some of the tyro games I attend is pretty unpleasant between parents, and now there are almost segregation rules in place, which is crazy.

 

It may well have been the same match Miffy, although there were 3 games at BTC that morning. I was over the far side by the changing rooms so was not close to the events going on "in the middle",although the lad I saw with his nose bleeding was wearing a brown shirt.

You are right regarding the referee who appeared to be handling things exceptionally well, and I share your commendation of him.

 

I also share your concerns around "parent aggro" at some TYro games, and indeed each set of supporters are supposed to be on opposite sides of the pitch behind cones (or in BTC's case - tape), and not behind the linesman. I think that has improved things to a decent degree, but it is also difficult to enforce once the match is underway.

[Hamilton Saint]

If anything will stop an enraged parent from running on the pitch and headbutting a child, it would probably be some well placed cones.

 

Full of bright ideas and helpful comments, aren't you.

[Hamilton Saint]

Exactly. And this is exactly why Canada produces a long line of world-beaters the likes of Owen Hargreaves, Paul Peschisolido, Simeon Jackson and Paul Stalteri.

 

 

Bless.

 

But our skiers and skaters have you beat!

[Chez]

not sure if it still happens, but Saints school of excellence used to ban parents from watching training and even games to enable players to fully express themselves and play the game they were taught rather than `boot it long' as often encouraged to by clueless Dads. When they were allowed to watch they were asked not to coach the kids or even call out. I guess this doesn't work at Tyro level as many of the Dads think they know more than the manager.

[Deppo]

Bless.

 

But our skiers and skaters have you beat!

 

That's because all of our skiers and skaters end up getting headbutted by the over-zealous parents of skating/ski instructors.

[Chez]

Bless.

 

But our skiers and skaters have you beat!

 

do those sports have seasons without stats?

[Hamilton Saint]

That's because all of our skiers and skaters end up getting headbutted by the over-zealous parents of skating/ski instructors.

 

I see.

 

Well, you did have the incomparable Eddie "The Eagle".

[Hamilton Saint]

not sure if it still happens, but Saints school of excellence used to ban parents from watching training and even games to enable players to fully express themselves and play the game they were taught rather than `boot it long' as often encouraged to by clueless Dads. When they were allowed to watch they were asked not to coach the kids or even call out. I guess this doesn't work at Tyro level as many of the Dads think they know more than the manager.

 

Hard to believe, eh?!

[Evil Monkey]

The father of the kid who was headbutted should have headbutted the son of the father who headbutted his son. Then all would have been cushty, and they could have finished the game.

[Miffy]

It may well have been the same match Miffy, although there were 3 games at BTC that morning. I was over the far side by the changing rooms so was not close to the events going on "in the middle",although the lad I saw with his nose bleeding was wearing a brown shirt.

You are right regarding the referee who appeared to be handling things exceptionally well, and I share your commendation of him.

 

I also share your concerns around "parent aggro" at some TYro games, and indeed each set of supporters are supposed to be on opposite sides of the pitch behind cones (or in BTC's case - tape), and not behind the linesman. I think that has improved things to a decent degree, but it is also difficult to enforce once the match is underway.

 

It has definately reduced the amount of hassle linesmen get from parents remonstrating offside decisions, but opposing parents on opposite sides of the pitch further feeds the 'tribal competitiveness'. I quite enjoyed mingling with opposition parents as you could often have a good discussion about the match with them. Also the closer proximity would help keep some over zealous comments in check. I have mixed feelings about new segregation.

 

My son 14yr old has recently qualified as a ref and I am more concerned about him doing this than I ever have been about him playing, all because some parents behaviour.

[B Rabbit]

If anything will stop an enraged parent from running on the pitch and headbutting a child, it would probably be some well placed cones.

 

You are funny...that made me chuckle.

[dubai_phil]

Ah this thread, the Echo article.

 

More reasons why sensible parents send their kids to play mini-rugby and leave the football to the school/college/uni teams.

 

OK so they ain't ever gonna make the PL but you end up with real kids.

[View From The Top]

Ah this thread, the Echo article.

 

More reasons why sensible parents send their kids to play mini-rugby and leave the football to the school/college/uni teams.

 

OK so they ain't ever gonna make the PL but you end up with real kids.

 

What rubbish.

 

If you child wants to play football and enjoys it then why on earth would you make them do a sport they don't want to do.

[sebastian firefly]

luckily both my boys are sh1t at football but love cricket

im lovin it village green in june warm beer leather on willow and no feckin pond life pikey

wanting to tear me a new one becuase my lads just launched little jonnys pie chuck back over the pavilion for six..again (i wish)

[hamster]

I once took training for Bitterne Rangers lads team. I'm only little and most of the little ****ers were big lads.

 

I went in goal and got mullered then they wanted to Practice corners, first ball comes over and wallop big Ginger ****er breaks my nose with his big Ginger ****er's Ginger head.

[Miffy]

I once took training for Bitterne Rangers lads team. I'm only little and most of the little ****ers were big lads.

 

I went in goal and got mullered then they wanted to Practice corners, first ball comes over and wallop big Ginger ****er breaks my nose with his big Ginger ****er's Ginger head.

 

 

I'm not sure goalkeeper is the best position for a Hamster.

 

I would have thought playing just off the centre forward would be best.

[mickn]

I used to coach kids football and on many occassions I was required to referee the matches and to be honest some of the behaviour of some parents was quite horendous.

 

If you actually take the time to watch and listen to many of them, they are actually living out their own failed ambitions through their children - which is sad. Not all parents fit into this category, but unfortunately many do.

My son was playing in a game once, and I remember one parent who stood on the side line watching his son, small ginger haired bloke, not shouting or anything - just offering the odd word of advice here and there. But then again it was probably quite easy for Gordon Strachan.

 

I completely agree with this, I noticed this when my 2 boys used to play

[LGTL]

It's always happened in the Tyro. I remember a player attacking a manager with a brick once, and had numerous games postponed. At Saints they did use to ban all comments from the parents which was a good idea but quite hard to manage for sunday league teams. I can't wait to hopefully be a parent and take him to football, but having played a very decent standard myself i'm not sure i'd be able to keep my mouth shut when some fat buffoon starts shouting nonsense.

[Gemmel]

It's always happened in the Tyro. I remember a player attacking a manager with a brick once, and had numerous games postpone

 

Are you sure you are talking about Tyro (11 - 16 Year olds) or do you mean commercial houses? Tyro games abandoned due to disorder is less than 5 in over 10 years.

[Dimond Geezer]

The soccer club I'm involved with provides divisions for kids (boys and girls) aged 4-15. Up 'til the age of 14, the divisions do not keep stats of the games. It's a season of friendlies. There are strict rules about coach and parent behaviour. No criticism of referees and refereeing decisions is tolerated. The whole culture of the club is focused on sportsmanlike behaviour, which often seems like an alien concept these days!

 

Both of my lads play Rugby, and this is exactly how rugby (certainly in Hampshire) is organised. There is zero tolerance when it comes to abuse & critism, both towards the ref & other kids playing. I remember a few years ago when my nipper was playing Under-12, the ref was having a mare & there were a few mumblings amongst the parents (nothing serious, just comments amonst themselves). After the match, our coach sent the kids on a run around the pitch, called the parents over to him & proceded to lecture us about our behaviour.

[Jones91]

You are funny...that made me chuckle.

 

Its even funnier if you read it as 'c00ns'

[Special K]

I remember playing Eastleigh & District tyro football almost 30 years ago. There was the odd handbags between parents when there was a cup game or decent league fixture, but mainly it was all good natured banter. Don't know what it is like now though as my nipper wants to play cricket instead of football, but a mate manages a Winchester under 11's team and he says the main problem is the "coaching" from the sidelines from parents who think they know the game inside out after watching MOTD. Suprisingly though all are reluctant to actually get involved in the running of the team. It frustrates my mate no end.

[hamster]

I knew from an early age that my nipper was never gonna be as good as me and hammered the message home at every opportunity. Took a while to convince him but it never did him any harm in the long run.