Fed up with the ever increasing abusive parent on the touchline expressing their opinions over the match officials or their own children and other players former England international Gary Lineker has condemned the behaviour of ambitious parents who think that their children will grow up to be football stars.
Gary Lineker who is the presenter of BBC’s Match of the Day recently said in an article published in the New Statesman that ambitious parent’s behaviour was damaging their children’s development.
“The competitive nature of most mums and dads is astounding.
“They fear they instil in our promising but sensitive Johnny is utterly depressing.”
“There is a breed of parent I have seen who hurl ridiculous abuse at officials or even the young player they are meant to be supporting. It’s as if they are living their own dreams through their kids,” he added.
He said the trend in English football was to encourage the bigger player’s just to boot the ball forward and blamed this on the demise of English talent in football.
“It’s obvious why we have a long-ball culture: the big lads who kick it furthest are the ones who stand out. What chance for the diminutive yet gifted midfielder?
“No chance of him developing his tiki-taka football,” said Lineker in reference to the short passing, possession-focused style of play.
Tracey Crouch, an FA coach and a conservative member of parliament, backed Lineker’s comments.
“You can see players getting frustrated at the running commentary from their parents,” said Crouch.
Another MP and qualified referee, Chris Heaton-Harris, said Lineker was “bang on,” adding, “some parents are like ultra-rude Alex Fergusons with none of the experience.”
