#3. Disrespect
Owens believes respect between players and officials was the”main issue that soccer needs to address,” adding:
“It’s not acceptable really, because football, more than any other sport in the world, has a bigger influence on society and everyday life and young children’s lives, in looking up to their heroes than any sport in the world, and it has the duty to show that respect.
“Rugby can’t take the moral high ground on soccer, because there are things in rugby that we need to do better.
“Certainly the respect in rugby is there and it needs to be maintained and kept, as it’s an integral part of the whole game. There’s no doubt about that.”
Following a recent incident, cricketer Jonny Bairstow wrote: “Could there be a 5/10 minute suspension in football for the players who run at and storm the referee to question their decision? Pretty sure they wouldn’t do it if there was 5/10 minutes to sit down…”
Owens responded: “Make it 15 mins even better,”