Suarez: Exhibit A for why I can’t enjoy futbol

Soccer or football, or whatever else they call the sport, can be at times a very entertaining and enjoyable sport, but instances like Luis Suarez refusing to shake hands with Patrice Evra really turns me off from the game.

Sports are supposed to be a gateway to an enjoyable time in friendly competition.  These events should allow fans to show their dedication, passion and support without being in fear of repercussions. Soccer, mostly European soccer, fails to promote such atmosphere. The hostility and anger that both players and fans demonstrate overshadows the great product the sport puts on the field.

I find myself quite enthralled by the World Cup and Olympic games. If the European leagues could manage the game like these grand scale events can, with a zero tolerance for violence, disrespect, and hostility, I believe you will find the American audience to me more receptive of this wonderful sport. Still, the players and clubs continue to show the ugliness of the game.

Suarez has only been the latest grievance. There is first off no place for racism, period, let alone in sports. Suarez was reprimanded for his slurs during the October match, but his latest act has proved to the entire world he meant what he said. If his words were due to perhaps anger or irritation during some in game action between the two, and then after the game, when he wasn’t experiencing an adrenaline rush, he apologizes for his inappropriate remarks, then perhaps the viewers and pundits attacks wouldn’t be so extreme. Unfortunately, Luis Suarez didn’t do that. Instead, he comes out and blatantly violates every unwritten rule of sportsmanship and refuses to shake Evra’s hand. 

I’m sorry European leagues, but if you continue to allow players to act with such disgusting behavior, I will never watch your product. When hatred and racism drives your storylines and drama instead of a high level athletic performance, people, at least in this country, will have no respect and desire to support and watch your sport. So I suggest you fix up your problems and repair your image, and truly show the world the great and rich sport of futbol!