Last weekend, two football teams (one from Groningen and one from Leeuwarden) clashed. After an equalizer, the flame hit the pan. What do young people think of aggressive behavior on the sports field? We asked the DVHN Youth Panel.
The cold between the teams (Blauw Wit’34 and PKC’83) seems out of the blue. In the end, no declaration was made and both clubs write extra if the first teams play against each other again. With that, a heated football riot seems to end with a fizzle.
Is that a good thing? Or should we have acted much harder against the fighting athletes? After all, it is clear that there were young spectators. Aren’t the players and clubs setting a completely wrong example?
Amber Wolbers (16)
“It seems to be happening more and more often in the sports world. Tensions in the stands and next to the line are increasing more and more. Last week it even got to the point where many supporters and even spectators started fighting with each other between two football teams from Groningen and Leeuwarden.
Now, of course, anyone who plays a sport has experienced a parent screaming on the phone, but this is a conflict on a different level. There are calls from various quarters that a solution must be sought, but from which side should it come?
One says tackle the football club itself, while the other thinks there should be a stricter general policy. I believe that high-level athletes should try to set a good example for their fans and viewers. Young children in particular may start to think that this behavior is normal. If older supporters of their favorite football club seem to tolerate violence, then it is apparently quite normal.
Healthy rivalry is fine and joking among each other is of course part of sport. It is important that everyone accepts this not to take too seriously. No matter how well someone can kick or hit a ball, this is no reason to do this together.”
Sara Kooij (16)
“Violence, whether physical or verbal, has no place at all and therefore not on the sports field or along the line of a match. Yet we still see it from time to time: children cursing on the field or adults beating each other for a goal in a football match.
It doesn’t seem like something we should consider normal.
Should verbal and physical violence be addressed on the sports field? Yes. The only question is how. I have the idea that aggression almost always stems from upbringing. By this I do not only mean the things that parents do or do not teach their child, but also what children see on, for example, social media and how they react to it.
Violence is often justified, as if it were perfectly normal to say that someone deserves to be kicked out. This makes children think that this is normal and acceptable. That is not what we should pass on to children.
On the sports fields, the referee could be tougher in the event of incidents. With violence on the sidelines, perhaps the sports association could be stricter. There is also a risk in that, though. If you say something about the behavior, the violence can be directed at you.
Above all, we must ensure that using violence in sport is seen as a no-go from an early age. That starts with upbringing, impressions and environment. But sometimes it is already too late.”
Eva Paapst (13)
“Sorry, but how can you be so pathetic that you’re going to fight over a sports game?
Yes, it’s also about winning. Yeah, it’s no fun when another team says something ugly about you. Setting a bad example and starting is also not good, but keep your feet off someone else. I find it so childish.
These grown men are also a bad example for the younger players. In primary school I noticed that there were very fanatical players, but that they behaved more aggressively. I also noticed that this is always the case with football players. I understand that as a fanatic footballer you really want to win your matches, but please just be respectful.
It will probably also be due to the fact that I play volleyball myself and have nothing to do with football. I’ve never noticed the slightest bit of aggression at a volleyball game. Never. Everyone always treats each other with respect: you don’t call each other names and you don’t touch each other at all. I don’t understand how a match with football players can get so out of hand that a whole fight ensues.
Measures must be taken against this. If people are injured by this and have to go to the hospital for a check-up, then it is simply going too far. Referees, make sure a fight like this never starts. Trainers, also train your players to treat each other with respect.”