Leon Balogun, a veteran of the Rangers, feels that player abuse has “taken a turn for the worse” because of social media, and as a result, things have grown “more violent.”
The defender for the Gers shared his thoughts on how things have changed in his 16 years as a professional, arguing that increased player access is lowering the standard of care. He made his remarks on March 5 as a member of FIFAPRO’s Global Player Council.
The Nigerian international, who spent a year away from Ibrox before returning this summer, said he isn’t afraid to play, but he thinks a “code of conduct” should be established to help with behaviour.
Balogun stated: “I feel like the fans in the stadium have a lower bar now that they have constant access to the real me as a player, so some of them think they can do things that they really can’t.”
Not most people believe that just because they paid for a ticket to enter the stadium, it gives them the right to treat you badly. Some people merely want to express their annoyance with you in an extremely improper manner.
“Since I became a professional 16 years ago, it has evolved. With the advent and growth of social media, things have gotten worse.
“It’s undeniably grown more vicious. It seems to me that there has always been a violent culture in football among a small segment of the fan base. The thing that scares me, though, is that people’s threshold for fear seems to be lowering due to the physical and verbal abuse that managers and players endure in the stadium.
“I don’t want people to believe that football players are thinking, ‘Oh my God, we have to go out there again,’ while they are relaxing at home or in the dressing room prior to a game. It’s just awful. It’s not true as stated. However, I believe that everyone can agree on a code of conduct because we all understand what is and isn’t appropriate.
Rangers defender wants improved treatment for players and managers
Balogun hasn’t made any contentious remarks there, and he will be able to personally attest to the changes in the situation.
Since making his Bundesliga debut in 2009, he has essentially followed the development of social media as a major media platform.
Although there are good reasons to argue that, during that period, social and economic pressures have led to a wider decline in standards of behaviour, football has always been more intense than other sports because of the strong emotional connection.
The majority of the thousands of match-goers know when the queue is, but far too many still believe they have the right to act however they please. Players and staff are generally viewed as fair game, and they can tolerate the treatment they receive up to a point because it comes with the job. However, stadiums are still workplaces in the end.
The Old Firm in Glasgow is one of the most heated football environments, so Balogun, 35, should know what he’s talking about after a well-traveled career.
He participated in the 55th title win under Steven Gerrard and the Scottish Cup win under Giovanni van Bronckhorst before being brought back by Michael Beale to begin the current campaign. The Viaplay Cup completed the domestic trophy collection under Philippe Clement.
Despite the fact that his comeback wasn’t well welcomed, he has made 11 SPFL appearances this season and is in the running for another league title. He has already discussed how his departure from the team a year ago was unwelcome.
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