I've heard this argument quite a bit in the last few days and it seems to suggest that referees deserve to be respected, but as football fans watching the game we don't. That, to me, seems no basis for a campaign of respect, especially seeing as without us there is no game.
Interestingly (and depressingly) we have moved on from the argument about whether footballers should be role models and are now discussing whether they should have any kind of social conscience at all. Rooney was on daytime TV and he decided to call all those that effectively pay his way (and all the children, lets not forget) to 'f*** off'. Repeatedly. And people think this isn't worthy of censure? Seriously? We're not even expecting public decency from our footballers now? Shocking.
Of course there's the whole 'emotional release' thing which is of course absolute nonsense. Most people in Rooney's position would have been, well, happy. I wouldn't be telling the world to f*** off. I may be swearing, that should be expected (if not tolerated direct to camera), but firing spiteful hatred to an audience that includes children. Erm, no.
I wonder where the line is for those that think any punishment is harsh. How about indecent exposure? Perhaps when Rooney scores, smears his dick on the nearest Sky Sports cam and says 'that one's for all the ladies out there' there might be a different reaction. But then again, maybe not. 'Sir' Alex would defend it for sure.
