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More tolerance needed for over-exuberant players, officials

While sporting conduct must be encouraged, we must understand that a player or an official, owing to their commitment and passion, can go overboard at times (“S.League cannot condone Geylang coach’s behaviour”; March 14).

While sporting conduct must be encouraged, we must understand that a player or an official, owing to their commitment and passion, can go overboard at times (“S.League cannot condone Geylang coach’s behaviour”; March 14).

After all, we often see mild-mannered persons, when they are sports spectators, turn against match officials and even their team players and officials, whether it is the World Cup, the English Premier League or our domestic competitions.

This augurs well in a way, in that the commitment and passion is clear.

We have heard of former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson kicking a boot in the direction of David Beckham during a team talk in the dressing room, but there was never a call to ban him.

In our S.League’s heyday, team officials such as R Vengadasalam provided much hype and character for the league. So I hope we are measured in our calls to extinguish emotions, when there is much passion and commitment in the league.

This year, our S.League is beginning to show renewed excitement. While misconduct should not be applauded, some tolerance and consideration must be accorded to players and officials for over-exuberant behaviour.

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