Footballers: Curb Your Enthusiasm

Footballers are an overzealous lot and the sport has been built on these characters that bring a little more colour and excitement to the beautiful game. Be it in the way they walk, look, speak or simply in the way they celebrate a goal, footballers have been trendsetters on a global stage. But this constant spotlight on their actions brings with it an added sense of responsibility which cannot be ignored or shrugged off. As part of any society there are rules and norms that are deemed acceptable which one needs to be aware of. The guidelines that have been laid down have to be adhered to or else one has to face the consequences. A Greek footballer is finding this out the hard way.

Giorgios Katidis, playing for Greek side AEK Athens, was given a life time ban this weekend from representing any Greek national team because of his Nazi style salute for celebrating the winning goal against opponents Veria. Having captained the U-19 Greek side, the midfielder has been facing the heat from club supporters and fans from all quarters who have criticized his actions quite heavily on social media. Katidis in his defence has claimed that he didn't realize or know that his celebration would attract so much ire and that he was merely pointing out to a team mate in the crowd. Taking to social media, the 20 year old wrote on Twitter: "I am not a fascist and would not have done it if I had known what it meant.” Now how far it is true no one will really know, but this has landed the young lad into a lot of trouble. His club AEK Athens too has demanded an explanation and they will decide on his future in the days to come.

It is quite evident that many players do spend time thinking up ways to celebrate their goals uniquely. They take time to choreograph and at times involve their other teammates to create a spectacle. Like many of us they take inspiration from players both past and present, movie stars or simple and yet sometimes weird happenings from one’s life. There have been many such memorable celebrations by players that have caught the eye of many. One does not have to look too far to remember Roger Milla’s corner flag dance, the Klinsmann dive, the Bebeto baby rock or the screaming into camera, thumb sucking or the acrobatics that accompany many a spectacular goal. Some of these celebrations evolved and came out at a time when society was a little more tolerant. They have since been ingrained into footballing folklore and have become signatures that have been associated with the respective players. The law of the game states that any goal can be celebrated but such celebrations should not be excessive. FIFA has been trying to crackdown on such actions by players that could incite trouble or put fans and players both at risk. Players who tend to take off their shirt to sport their heavily tattooed bodies or to display messages under their shirts after scoring goals have been booked during the game and sometimes even fined post the game depending on the gravity of the issue. Celebrating in front of away fans, imitating and gesturing too is looked down upon.

Nowadays with the advancement in technology, the way the sport is viewed, followed and shared by fans has completely changed. Football players whether they realize it or not, are seen as role models by many and this is where a sense of accountability needs to seep in. It is the collective responsibility of the board, manager and player to come up with and lay down a code of conduct for everyone associated with the club that ensures that all acts by individuals associated are becoming and reflective of the values of the club. This has to be instilled as part of the education process and makes all involved aware of the constant media glare. It does get hard for a footballer to control his emotions, actions or words in the heat of the moment; after all they are human and are affected by criticism or praise. But it is necessary that they present themselves with dignity and with a certain sense of discretion that would not see them regret any of their actions. As for Giorgios Katidis, one can only hope that he does not pay a heavy price for his misinformed piece of decision making and that everybody can put what has happened in the past allowing the young man the chance to pick himself up and continue his growth as a person and as a footballer.