Quote: exiledrhino "I've got to say, I think it's a strange idea that players shouldn't be criticized. Absolutely 100% on board it should not be personal, but if you're paid to do a job in a public arena, scrutiny by the public who pay your bills comes with the territory.
Ultimately, fans are being paid to be entertained. Being able to cheer and boo is all part of the pantomime of sport. In the interview on Out of Your League with James Childs, even he said he's not bothered with crowds booing him as long as it's not a personal attack. At least players will be praised if they do something good unlike a ref!
In RL, you are getting the chance to be paid to do the job you love. At it's heights you could be playing for your country or in a packed crowd of 80k at Old Trafford. At the opposite end you could get injured or simply not be good enough and get booed. Being a pro-sportsman is taking that risk on voluntarily. 80k cheering for an amazing performance, or fans booing if you're not up to it. The best players will back themselves and be able to channel out the crowd altogether.
It's a similar conversation when players were saying that relegation put their livelihoods at risk. I don't get it! If you're good enough, you'll get a new contract, if not, the sport doesn't owe you a living, put contingency plans in place accordingly! If I were no good at my job I'd lose it!'"
I think the main difference is that booing and cheering is expected. It will lift players and adds to the pantomime of sport. It's when it goes beyond that.
Most people have probably heard fans overstepping the mark and shouting personal insults when a player is within earshot. That's too far and is more prevalent on social media. Some people who wouldn't say it out loud think it's OK in text because they have the right for freedom of speech.
I personally don't think I have the right to criticise because I pay my money. My money is paid for the right to watch and that's it. I also don't think that because they're doing a job we'd all love to, they're there to be shot down.
