Any opinions on this weekends events. Fergie seemed pretty miffed with Rio. I wonder if a white player will not wear the shirt before a game or do you think that would be classed as being racist?
The entire Swansea squad refused to wear them, and Wigan (playing Swansea) followed suit with Martinez saying that as a group they wanted to support the Swansea players in their decision. Whether a player is right or wrong in not wearing them though for me depends on who it is that organises it. If it's an FA thing then each player should be free to decide based on their own feelings. If it's a PFA thing (even though the PFA are supporting Rio) any player that's a member of the PFA should have worn the shirts regardless of their personal views, if you're a member of a union you should support the actions of the union when the majority of members are in favour of them. Just to avoid confusion as that makes me sound like some pro-union person, I'm someone who avoids joining unions where it's possible for that exact reason. With Rio (obviously Anton didn't wear one either) it shouldn't be anything to do with SAF either way though because it's not a club related thing. If it's part of the FA's "rules" then it's their job to punish him, and if it's a PFA thing then it's their job to handle it. The publicity has done more good for awareness of the group than wearing the shirts has done in the entire time the campaign has been running. (the inclusion of it in the boot sequence for Football Manager has probably been the biggest single thing for them though)
Fergusons problem with Ferdinand was that Ferguson had already made it an issue with his criticism with Jason Roberts but Ferdinand went ahead and did his own thing anyway regardless of what Ferguson had already said. Ferdinand should have spoken to Ferguson first about it but am not surprised if he didn't given the arrogance that these top flight players have. He will probably be on his way out soon after that I reckon as Ferguson does not tolerate any dissent from players. Of course players are entitled to have their own opinions but Ferguson already made it clear what he thought so really I see it as stupidity again from Ferdinand.
Had SAF made it public before Rio though? All week I was expecting both Ferdinands to be refusing to wear it, and I'm sure it was mentioned in the article reporting that Roberts had said he was going to refuse. (I guess the second bit there could be the BBC updating a story as more information comes in)
Sorry, but I believe you are wrong on both counts. Belonging a trades union allows you your freedom of choice and not to do so infringes your human rights. The whole idea that to be a trades unionist demands absolute adherrence to action is simply ridiculous in thius day and age. I do find the outspoken comments of SAF a little strange in these circumstances (remember he was always a strong and active trades unionist). But to say that it has nothing to do with club and manager is simply bizarre. They pay the wages, they fund the venues, they pay for the brand that the shirt will cover and they control all matters other than police. If they decide that to wear such shirts will not fall into their corporate policy then that should be respected; the fact is that they don't, in fact they have actively supported it, but they must surely reserve the right to implement a policy on their employees - the employees have lots of free time to make their own views known. I very much doubt SAF will follow any formal disciplinary action, but he will surely express his disapproval of the lack of support - as SAF seems to be saying, solidarity is the bedrock of having a voice that will have an effect. To impose these initiatives is not the way to achieve anything, they must be of a totally free choice and conscience.
It's my personal position on unions/membership rather than feeling there's a formal obligation. If I joined a union I would be doing it on the basis that if the majority agreed I'd been wronged then I would expect everybody would defend me, and so would feel I should support action on other measures where the majority agreed and if not happy to do that I shouldn't join. Otherwise I don't see the point, there's not much collective weight from the union if they don't actually act as a collective, it might as well not exist and just have people asking others to support them each time. I know they offer legal advice and things like that, but we have the CAB and other groups do the same thing.
Its as if someone is sat in an office somewhere making up ideas for different PL race 'scandals' to give the red-tops something to talk about. Boring...
Their most important function is that of represenattion in employer - employee policy, gaining an acceptable framework and ensuring that all parties work within it - a very proactive, rather than reactive role. I understand your moral position, but that is largely what it is.
That as may be, but, unfortunately, it has more potential to rip football apart than any other controversy that surrounds the glorious game - SAF knows that, hence his view on maintaining a club stance.
