Should players be required to sign autographs and stand for photo's?

If they want to do it then fine, but if a player refuses at any time, then should he be considered a dick?

I personally don't think so. If he tells fans to **** off and stuff, then yeah, or if he refuses is a rude manner, but if he just says "no photos or autographs today please", then I don't think it's bad.

I don't think just because they're on high wages, then that gives everyone the right to say they should do anything they're asked and shut up about it.

Look at this vid -

[video=youtube;dP92xlGJ6Dg]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP92xlGJ6Dg[/video]

Would anyone not find this a bit annoying, if not everyone once in a while, after every game and every time they're spotted in public.

 

Players are entitled to some privacy the same as everybody. I can't imagine any of our guys speaking to a fan in the way you mention and refusing to sign autographs, but it could just be possible that they might have a tight time schedule and have important meetings etc to go to.

 

It's not just that though.

Some of the fans in this vid were pulling his hair and tapping his head, like he's some sort of toy.

 

Didn't actually watch the vid but that kind of thing very definitely isn't on. Nobody is going to put up with that.

 

Firstly I think they'd better be happy with it while it lasts...In a few years time they'll just be a face in the crowd. Secondly, if he really is in a rush, he could shrug everyone off and get to his place while telling them "they're in a rush", that's probably basic courtesy and I think the fans should accept that. Unless he acts high and mighty and ignores everyone, then that's bad.

 

I noticed that too, Tash, it's not on that people think they can man- handle him like that. Sure he is in the public eye and the fans love him, but manners cost nothing. I would be well miffed off, if strangers, because that's what they are, were touching me and pulling me about. Being a fan of the club he plays for does not give people the right to invade his personal space. That said, l thought that Colo was the epitome of good manners and patience.
Even though not all of those around him showed him enough respect in my opinion.

 

They can bloody well pose for every single picture and sign every scrap of paper pushed at them. It's not a lot to ask for the ludicrous money they're on, and can make a fans week. Football is a short career, by the time they're 35 they can retire and do whatever the hell they want for the next 40 years. No time for players who refuse to sign autographs or pose for pictures.

 

Sorry, but no. Football players are payed to play football. They are on a lot, but if I don't meet a Newcastle player in the current squad in my life, it wouldn't really upset me. The best feeling I get and the best present they can give us is a win in a football match! I don't give a **** about being in the same photo as them. It would be nice to meet them, sure, but I care about winning matches. And I feel more of a connect with the players when they're battling on the pitch.

If they're decent blokes they'll talk to fans at times, and sign autographs and take photos, but that doesn't mean they should stop and put their day on hold every time a fan brandishes a piece of paper or a match day mag and sign it, or have cameras shoved in their face constantly.

 

I refer you to my last post, l do think they should make time for the fans etc, but there is a time and a place for everything. My point was about people thinking it okay to cross the line with players and become to familiar with them. Pulling them about and touching them in inappropriate ways. We may well contribute to their salaries, but that does not give us the right to for example walk up to Colo and ruffle his hair, like he was some sort of cute lap-dog. As l said, manners cost nothing.

 

depends on the circumstances.

Out with the family then no... it is their private time.
On the way into SJP on match day whilst wearing club suits... yes.
Part of their job is engagement with fans so hopefully the club lays down relaxed guidelines to suit all parties.

When I was 10 I remember a cricket festival at Scarborough and I went up up 'sir' Ian Botham and asked for an autograph as he walked off the field of play at the interval. He looked me dead in the eye and said 'no - **** off'.
What a prick he was and I've never liked the guy since.

Conversely SBR was at blackhill park in Consett just after he became manager opening up the new bandstand and I asked for his autograph.... to be greeted by a warm smile and a comment.. 'of course Son... how's your day going?'. I thanked him for his kind gesture and told him is was indeed a great day as I met a hero of mine.... him (a hero who grew another 10 feet in my estimation after him taking the time out'.

 

This. Players should give fans the time to show that they appreciate them, but in a way I disagree with the idea that that means they should have to have cameras shoved in their faces or sign bits of paper. Talking to them is a better way to do that, than just signing your name on some paper.

 

In a similar vein to this I recall* a story I heard about Bill Oddie, He'd turned out for a charity cricket match and at the end of it someone asked him for an autograph and he told them in no uncertain terms where to go, just goes to show that it's not just sportsmen who can be ****s.

*This is the best I can remember it, some details may be inexact, but the gist is the same. Bill Oddie = twat

 

I agree with the general consensus here, players don't have to, but it goes a long way if they do sign autographs and do meet and greets. Here in Los Angeles many of the Galaxy players do meet and greets weekly through out various locations. The only people who really don't do it are Robbie Keane and David Beckham. Getting to know the "little guys" helps some of the fans get behind the players and improves player-supporter relations that can only be good for the club.

 

From personal experience it is sometimes best that our "heroes" be they sporting or otherwise remain ethereal figures that are somehow just out of reach to us mere mortals.
Sadly, it can be a heartbreaking and devastating experience when we meet one in the flesh and they turn out to be a complete tosser.
As they say, ignorance is bliss.

 

Your second sentence is so wrong there mate. The modern day footballer is so much more than just a sportsman. People slave 12 hours a day for their wage, footballers train about 4 hours a day max. If in the extreme case they were asked to "work" another 8 hours signing autographs, that's not unfair imo. They can bloody well do it and earn their dosh.

And continuing on from my above points, I would expect a degree of respect to be formed between players and fans, and for fans as human beings to know when enough is enough. however, if the fans are stupid and can't figure out when to stop, so ****? Footballer's are such over privileged people, we need to top treating them like little girls who need protecting.

 

Yes, I agree the players should show them respect, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't be able to complain or reject a photo and have multiple iphones shoved in their faces.

Sorry but I don't agree that big wages means they should have to do that.

 

Why not. They should earn their coin.

 

They earn their coin on the pitch. What they do off the pitch can define their character a lot, but I don't think they should feel guilt tripped into having to be ok with a load of cameras in their face and asked to sign autographs every time they're in public.

 

I'm still struggling to see why not? It's not like that makes it any harder than a normal run of the mill job.

 

If they have nothing better to do, then sure, but sometimes they just wanna go out and not have to spend times signing **** and having cameras in front of them.