We need respect – not hotheads – in sports

ALL I wanted to do was watch a great game of football between two sides filled with some of the nation’s best youngsters.

Instead, the adults stole the limelight with their shameful antics - a 50-something official decided to play “Aci Duduk” (or the game of Tag) with the match referee in the Sukma semi-final between Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

It left me aghast.

Let me give some context. The two sides were playing an exciting match with Penang leading 1-0 when, in the 88th minute, a fracas ensued after KL player Mohd Iman Fakhrullah Zamri hacked down a Penang player. He was deservedly flashed a red card.

The incident saw players from both sides having an altercation, pushing and shoving each other. It was a sight commonly seen in many football matches.

Instead of calming the players, the official decided to confront the referee and, upset with his decision, began chasing him in the middle of the field.

I must say this, though – I was impressed with his tenacity and stamina for a man who looked to be in his late 50s.

Police had to step in, and thankfully, the young players decided to act like grown-ups, with both sides apologising to each other.

A professional footballer seated next to me was upset with what the players did, and even more annoyed with the official.

The match referee may have made some contentious decisions, but there was no point in being emotional.

He was dead right. An official, especially a senior figure, must be a calming presence, not be a hothead or a figure of ridicule.

If not for the altercation, KL could have scored an equaliser as they dominated the second half with some great football.

Penang coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli, a former national football star, was a different class. He reined in his players during the fracas and, after the final whistle, told his boys to make up with their rivals and to acknowledge both sides of supporters.

What that KL football official did was disappointing - but there were some seniors, especially current and former national athletes who showed poise, respect and responsibility during this Sukma.

In artistic gymnastics, former national gymnast Farah Ann Abdul Hadi, now a judge, said she was just being fair when it came to scoring. But she was more than that. Farah showed great rapport with state gymnasts and was seen giving pointers, checking on those who were injured and hugging those who needed a shoulder to lean on.

At the Sunway Megalanes bowling alley, national athletes like Timmy Tan, Nora Lyana Nastasia Kamal and Ahmad Muaz Fishol were lane marshalls. They helped the officials with various jobs, including setting up the podium, updating scores and checking if everything was OK.

These personalities did not show off as stars of their sports. They were just there for the sports they loved. That maturity is what we need for sports in our country to thrive.

To all the athletes out there, you may have all the talent in the world, but if you do not have respect, you will never go far in sports ... even in life!

That goes for the officials, too.