Everyone who plays sport makes mistakes. It’s a given. And in the goldfish bowl of media coverage where every missed chance or misplaced pass is scrutinised and analysed to the nth degree, criticism can be brutal.
It’s something every professional has to live with, and recognise as part of the price that has to be paid to compete in elite sport. The rewards are astronomical, but the pressure can be extreme and the lows can be very low.
This season, with VAR now established – though still hotly debated – attention has turned increasingly to referees. An error from a player can be costly, leading to a defeat or dropped points – and contribute to a club’s relegation, or missing out on a place in European competition.
But in today’s deep Premier League squads, players can be dropped, benched or rested and others brought in. What happens when a referee is seen to make errors, and have a couple of bad games?
In recent times, it’s sometimes led to abuse on social media (even death threats), a slating from the pundits and caustic criticism from ex-referees. And for some it might mean a drop down the football pyramid, with close assessment to see if their standards improve.
The stakes in football are so high, it can be a very unforgiving environment.
The truth is, of course, we all make mistakes. Pretty much every day. In our work, our family life, the things we say, the words we push out on social media. Or maybe the things we don’t do, which we should.
We can be very quick to judge others. And rather easier on our own failings.
For followers of Jesus Christ, we are encouraged whenever we pray to confess the things we have done wrong. Not just because this helps us be honest about our shortcomings, but because God is a God of love and new beginnings. He is willing to forgive and give us a fresh start.
In John’s first letter (1:8-9) he writes “If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins – make a clean breast of them – he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.”
None of us are perfect, but an honest relationship with God gives opportunity for him to work on us, and change us more into the likeness of Jesus.
So maybe a little more understanding when others slip up would be welcome. Even if the ref denies our team a stonewall penalty.