Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Wibu - football related

9 replies

ohheck28 · 19/07/2025 13:12

Took my 12 year old son to a tournament this morning. While playing their first game the ball came off the pitch near to me and I caught it and was about to throw it back when a player from the opposition ran up to take the throw in and said ‘give me the fucking ball then you stupid bitch’

I was gobsmacked, dropped the ball and said ‘get it yourself you silly little boy.’ This was a child of 12 maybe 13. He did and the game continued but afterwards the coaches (who hadn’t heard the exchange) asked me what it was all about. I explained and they agreed it was disgusting behaviour by the kid but basically warned me about obstructing and delaying play as it could go against the rules of the tournament. To be clear I didn’t throw the ball away, just dropped it at my feet. The whole thing took about 2 seconds.

I know language on football fields is grim at times but to be directly spoken to by a child like that is unbelievable. Never heard or saw the kids parent say anything but I know if it were my son I would probably take him straight home as punishment. Did I behave unreasonably?

OP posts:
TheSandgroper · 19/07/2025 14:31

That’s horrendous. I would be making a diary note and then looking to read the rules and conditions of the league very closely. There may be something about fair play/good manners and possible sanctions if conduct unbecoming has been displayed.

ohheck28 · 19/07/2025 15:52

If it was a league game I would definitely report it however it was a tournament and not a local one so I don’t really know of the teams. I also felt that due to the time constraints and need to stick to the tournament schedule everyone there just wanted to brush over it and get on with the next game.

OP posts:
Shesellsseashellsnotinmystreet · 19/07/2025 15:54

Have a look of gwh9 team has a fb page and make an honest comment...

LlynTegid · 19/07/2025 15:55

Unreasonable that you didn't call the referee over so the player could be sent off.

George Best was sent off for less.

blahblah56 · 19/07/2025 15:57

Well isn’t that child a delight!
There would have been no issue had a dad caught the ball I bet.

casualcrispenjoyer · 19/07/2025 16:02

You were being massively unreasonable to not call over the ref

lorn195 · 19/07/2025 16:05

LlynTegid · 19/07/2025 15:55

Unreasonable that you didn't call the referee over so the player could be sent off.

George Best was sent off for less.

@ohheck28FA affiliated referee’s mum here. It would be definitely a red card (sending off) and I’m sure my son would agree.

Although he’s faced much worse in his refereeing career both in tournaments and league football, this is typical of what it is these days unfortunately. The parents are as bad if not worse.

ohheck28 · 19/07/2025 16:34

casualcrispenjoyer · 19/07/2025 16:02

You were being massively unreasonable to not call over the ref

Honestly I was so shocked I just didn’t think at the time. And then the game continued and the moment had passed. But yes I probably should have done that.

OP posts:
holachicatita · 19/07/2025 16:47

I would 100% compose an email stating exactly what was said and the number/name of the child to the club's chairman. That is disgusting behaviour from a 12 year old, I'd be heartbroken if my 12 year old son had some something like this.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page