The Rational Ref | Rational Ref: Culture of cheating means no honesty
Players, coaches and supporters always want justice when they are victims, but if they are guilty looking the other way is common
The truth? No one can handle it. Not coaches, players, supporters and referees, it would seem.
The modern professional game has come to a head whereby victory corrupts - and absolute victory corrupts absolutely.
This overriding win-at-all-costs mentality breeds a soccer culture of cheating, contempt and criticism that makes anyone in the game think twice about being sincerely honest and truthful.
This culture of cheating at all costs can be seen developing at grass-roots and youth levels
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said as much: "If I say what is in my heart, I will get in trouble. I prefer not to talk about this. We had many things go against us, the result was not so good but acceptable."
Since when has half-a-day's wages and a touchline ban ever stopped him from being overly condescending and critical?
Mourinho's words are toxic and his sarcastic comments after last weekend's match against Manchester United proved this as he insincerely claimed he wanted honesty.
More honesty in the world of soccer would be a wonderful thing. However, this proposal is only ever triggered by losers and poor sports like Mourinho, especially when they believe they have been robbed of a result. Never mind they tend to look the other way when the boot is on the other foot, so to speak.
