In his time the former BBC rugby commentator, Bill McClaren, passed away some of the more physical moments in some of his broadcasts by reporting them with such phrases as “Argy-Bargy or “Rumpy-pumpy” – all euphemisms for on field fisty cuffs. Whether intentional or not it was a time some many decades ago, that seemed designed to play down the darker arts of the game and maintain some dignity for radio listeners – and in time TV viewers. After all rugby was, in those days more so perhaps, a hooligans' game played by gentlemen and so it a time for stiff upper lips and all that at the BBC.
In these days of professional rugby, with Sky Sports covering every angle, the nature of a commentators work has changed and so has the immediacy of the language used in commentary. It would leave the articulate skills of the likes of McClaren somewhat redundant – were he still with us today. In fact, such is the sensitivity to potentially violent tackles during matches that live at the venues they are rarely replayed on the stadium screens - to avoid any form of incitement. Or, can even be limited to TV viewers given the details that slow motion footage can now provide viewers.
In addition the sport of rugby has sorted out it’s areas of contact and now defines the substance for yellow and red cards offences – with very little vagueness left. Irish referee Alain Rolland can attest to that, having sent off Wales captain Sam Warburton in the semi-final of the Rugby World Cup last September for a spear tackle. By definition the nature of his tackle was quite simply a red card
In a month which saw Vincent Kompass sent off for a seemingly benign two footed tackle in the Manchester derby, there was little doubt in the referee's mind, Simon Foy, given the rules about such tackles in 2012. In more recent days Mario Balotelli has been charged with dangerous play on Scott Parker by the Football Association, after appearing to stamp the Spurs player. Following a dismissal earlier this season Balotelli, now faces a four-match ban, and any unsuccessful appeal could result in a longer suspension. It is unlikely the appeal will be undertaken.
Soccer as a sport is behaving too in accordance wit the saying that it is a gentleman’s game played by hooligans. Having said that though, it has cleaned up many areas
Whatever about rugby and soccer’s shortcomings there is little doubt that events this week highlight the last part of that infamous saying – adapted for Ireland perhaps - that GAA is a thugs sport played by thugs,
Events in Port Laoise hardly refuted that argument.
The brawl that marred Sunday’s All-Ireland junior club football semi-final in Portlaoise is now part of the GAA’s latest investigation into disturbing scenes at matches by players and supporters. Already segments have been shown on RTÉ, and show fighting along the sideline just before half-time involving players from both Tyrone club Derrytresk and Kerry’s Dromid Pearses. The GAA will receive the report of match referee Francis Flynn from Leitrim, as well as that video footage both of which should provide vital evidence for the powers that be.
Kerry’s four-time senior All-Ireland winner and three-time All Star Declan O’Sullivan, playing for Dromid, was reportedly struck with a handbag, and Dromid selector and Kerry County Board officer Diarmuid Ó Sé also confirmed that Denis Shine O’Sullivan has broken a cheekbone.
Indeed, Ó Sé also called on the GAA to undertake as thorough an investigation as possible, and not just into the unruly incidents that likely soured the outcome to both teams.
"While Derrytresk beat us comprehensively on the day, I thought that some of scenes out there were some of the most disgraceful I have ever witnessed at a football game,” said Ó Sé.
“I cannot understand how the GAA can allow this to happen.
“For me, the GAA has to investigate these incidents big time. I never witnessed anything like this even in the cut and trust of South Kerry football or Kerry football. We play it hard and we play it tough but I think when outside forces can jump onto a field and cause a melee or a fracas, then it’s time to shout stop.
“I think that if the GAA allows this type of violence and intimidation to take place, then our games are in big trouble. I am not so sure that hitting clubs with big fines is any good either. I think the GAA will have to root out the trouble makers and give them long-term suspensions.
“They have video evidence to look back on. Take a report from the stewards and the Garda. An assault on a pitch like that should be the same as an assault on the street. Funny thing is in the build-up to this game we got a 15-page memo from Croke Park about rules and regulations for the day and there were very few officials and stewards here to implement them.”
For many years RTE’s legendary GAA commentator, Micheal O'Muircheartaigh, often covered these unsavoury moments for RTE radio listeners in a style akin to Bill Mclaren's. No surprise as both men came from a different era. Indeed, on one famous occasion told a story while a player was down injured.
"... and Brian Dooher is down injured. And while he is, I'll tell ye a little story. I was in Times Square in New York last week, and I was missing the Championship back home. So I approached a newsstand and I said 'I suppose you wouldn't have the Kerryman would you?' To which the Egyptian man behind the counter replied 'do you want the North Kerry edition or the South Kerry edition?'. He had both, so I bought both. And Dooher is back on his feet..."
However the time has come for the GAA to address the matter and accept that physical violence on and off the field of play has nothing to do with the sport. It is no longer a time for euphemisms. it is no longer a time for vagueness or spin. No more back doors. The time has come for direct action and the relevant punitive suspension should they be required – and then implemented to impose the maximum inconvenience to their team, In other deprive them for key matches and not just calendar weeks
We shall wait the outcome.
