Jordan Henderson : voices player welfare fears | Rice: Obscene schedule of games

YzWayne

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https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...n-henderson-voices-player-welfare-fears-covid

As a working class adult earning peanuts compared to his salary, I do not understand his outburst here. In this covid era, there are more people out there sacrificing more than footballers. Playing a few more matches and he start complaining about welfare for him and his family.

How about those healthcare workers who sacrifice day and night, not only during this December period. He is paid more than them or rather the workers deserved his salary more than he does. Even those people working at supermarkets are more worthy of a shout than him kicking a few balls.
 

VP89

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https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...n-henderson-voices-player-welfare-fears-covid

As a working class adult earning peanuts compared to his salary, I do not understand his outburst here. In this covid era, there are more people out there sacrificing more than footballers. Playing a few more matches and he start complaining about welfare for him and his family.

How about those healthcare workers who sacrifice day and night, not only during this December period. He is paid more than them or rather the workers deserved his salary more than he does. Even those people working at supermarkets are more worthy of a shout than him kicking a few balls.
Healthcare workers are saving lives. Footballers are risking themselves for the sake of entertainment.
Not really sure what point you're trying to make but it's a bit silly.
 

Oranges038

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Probably feels that they can't be taking so many puffs on the inhalers to get through any fixture pile up and still be able maintain the course for the rest of the season.
 

andersj

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Healthcare workers are saving lives. Footballers are risking themselves for the sake of entertainment.
Not really sure what point you're trying to make but it's a bit silly.
Risking themselves? Are there anyone out there who are risking themself any less than these players? They are at so little risk that quite a few of them are more worried about the vaccine than covid.

And it also seem like he is complaining about the fixtures rather than the covid-situation. And I really struggle to feel sorry for footballers complaining that they are at too big of a risk of getting injured do to the number of games.
 

BarstoolProphet

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I think the opening post is an example of why footballers tend to stay away from public discussion. Even if they make a good point, most of the time they're always met with "you earn a gazillion a week, so stop crying".
 

Plant0x84

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Players and managers have been complaining about the scheduling of fixtures long before Covid. We have a voracious appetite to consume live sport, especially football in this country and with the hundreds of millions of pounds invested by TV and when you think about the global tv audience too, the pressure has never been higher on players - ultimately it’s them that have to be fit to play.
Modern sport science has highlighted and honed the recovery process after matches - we’ve heard about mangers complaints because they can’t train new systems or practise certain tactics because the players are just constantly doing recovery work. The more they play, the bigger the risk of breaking down with injury. English Football is intense physical labour, and players are only human. Covid on top of that is an extra worry. Everybody on the planet is at risk from catching this awful virus, working or not and once you have it you then you risk bringing it home to family and friends.
The amount that footballers earn is kinda irrelevant here - all the money in the world can’t stop you getting injured or sick. You can kinda see his point, and comparing to health workers to tug the heart strings is a little disingenuous.
 

JuriM

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https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...n-henderson-voices-player-welfare-fears-covid

As a working class adult earning peanuts compared to his salary, I do not understand his outburst here. In this covid era, there are more people out there sacrificing more than footballers. Playing a few more matches and he start complaining about welfare for him and his family.

How about those healthcare workers who sacrifice day and night, not only during this December period. He is paid more than them or rather the workers deserved his salary more than he does. Even those people working at supermarkets are more worthy of a shout than him kicking a few balls.
Don't be silly. Humans are the same, despite what work they do - they are still at the same risk.
 

SilentWitness

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Good, he's right. I hope he is making an underhand dig at the proposed WC plans at the same time here.
 

DWelbz19

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The amount of football players at the very top level of the game have crunched in over the last 18-24 months is pretty mental. And it’s not going to stop, as the article states. Especially not with 2 year World Cup’s in Qatar, Nations Leagues, and all the other major tournaments.
 

sullydnl

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Henderson is obviously right and reflexively pointing to footballers' wages and comparing them to healthcare workers as a way of dismissing his point is stupid.
 

SirAF

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Risking themselves? Are there anyone out there who are risking themself any less than these players? They are at so little risk that quite a few of them are more worried about the vaccine than covid.

And it also seem like he is complaining about the fixtures rather than the covid-situation. And I really struggle to feel sorry for footballers complaining that they are at too big of a risk of getting injured do to the number of games.
This.
 

Fluctuation0161

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Healthcare workers are saving lives. Footballers are risking themselves for the sake of entertainment.
Not really sure what point you're trying to make but it's a bit silly.
I think it's the old "Footballers are earning millions so should be willing to die for it" argument. Peddled in most media outlets.

Funny how no one ever mentions how much money the real fat cats at the top are making out of football (TV companies, clubs, leagues etc) and only bemoan the odd working class lad who has made it to play at the top level.
 

golden_blunder

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Which ties into my thoughts about increased world cups etc. do players need to drop dead on the pitch before some get the message that less football would be better?
 

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I think the opening post is an example of why footballers tend to stay away from public discussion. Even if they make a good point, most of the time they're always met with "you earn a gazillion a week, so stop crying".
This is the thing. For some idiots, making a lot of money insulates you from the vagaries of a public health crisis.

So put your football boots on, you whinging gimp, and kick the leather ball. I want my entertainment.
 

rcoobc

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There are serious moral failures throughout football
 

VP89

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Risking themselves? Are there anyone out there who are risking themself any less than these players? They are at so little risk that quite a few of them are more worried about the vaccine than covid.

And it also seem like he is complaining about the fixtures rather than the covid-situation. And I really struggle to feel sorry for footballers complaining that they are at too big of a risk of getting injured do to the number of games.
The majority of footballers are vaccinated. My point is about covid not about fixtures here.
 

Brophs

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Despite looking like the sort of fella who got sacked from a fishmongers after 3 days for not being able to figure out the till, he’s consistently one of the most measured, sensible voices among players.
 

Amar__

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I don't get what exactly is his point? Does he want a medal for providing for his family?
Maybe they are not getting enough respect from their family, and not people around them? He can apways skip games if he wants to, I am pretty sure many player do that.

Poor footballers, having to work 3-4 hours a day in one of best facilites in the world with small group of people. While their entire family is protected, doesn't have to work anything, having everything they need in their house in this covid period so having less possibility of catching the covid than average person.

How about families where entire household has to work for 8-10 hours every day in crowded places, poor conditions, etc., and only for not being able to pay covid threatment once they get it.
 

OnlyTwoDaSilvas

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OP was just a "they should give their salary to veterans" short of a full house. I'm not sure what his salary has to do with it, or why it is always held against footballers, particularly when they are making a valid point.

The article isn't just about the risk of covid, it's about the scheduling, and clubs wanting to play 2 games over the festive period, instead of the usual 3. This has been the case for years before covid and has never been addressed. It's sure good for the consumer to have a load of football on, but playing 3 games in 6 days is unwise. It seems daft that a lot of leagues around Europe take a winter break around this time, but somehow the PL has to smoosh together as many games as possible.
 

SilentWitness

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I don't get what exactly is his point? Does he want a medal for providing for his family?
Maybe they are not getting enough respect from their family, and not people around them? He can apways skip games if he wants to, I am pretty sure many player do that.

Poor footballers, having to work 3-4 hours a day in one of best facilites in the world with small group of people. While their entire family is protected, doesn't have to work anything, having everything they need in their house in this covid period so having less possibility of catching the covid than average person.

How about families where entire household has to work for 8-10 hours every day in crowded places, poor conditions, etc., and only for not being able to pay covid threatment once they get it.
His main point is about fixture scheduling and why for years this period of the season is too packed in the English league, especially if you're one of the top clubs that are still in all or most of the competitions. It becomes more of an issue recently because of covid as that adds another reason why players may miss games, along with injuries.
 

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Despite looking like the sort of fella who got sacked from a fishmongers after 3 days for not being able to figure out the till, he’s consistently one of the most measured, sensible voices among players.
:lol:
 

Solius

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https://www.theguardian.com/footbal...n-henderson-voices-player-welfare-fears-covid

As a working class adult earning peanuts compared to his salary, I do not understand his outburst here. In this covid era, there are more people out there sacrificing more than footballers. Playing a few more matches and he start complaining about welfare for him and his family.

How about those healthcare workers who sacrifice day and night, not only during this December period. He is paid more than them or rather the workers deserved his salary more than he does. Even those people working at supermarkets are more worthy of a shout than him kicking a few balls.
Very ignorant OP.

This notion that someone can't complain about something because there's a worse thing happening to others is just ridiculous. Everything is relative. Should we just find the one person on earth who has suffered the most and say only they can moan?

What footballers earn and the lives they live mean feck all. You say "Kicking a few balls" like that's all there is to it. The game requires a very high level of stamina, worth ethic, commitment and skill. Plus I can guarantee they don't see their families as often as they would like to. Early starts, pushing their bodies to the limit and being asked to play every couple of days in front of fans who will boo you if you don't play well enough.

I think Henderson is right. There isn't much concern for their welfare. The schedule is all that matters and they're being asked to push their bodies for our entertainment.
 

Amar__

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I think the opening post is an example of why footballers tend to stay away from public discussion. Even if they make a good point, most of the time they're always met with "you earn a gazillion a week, so stop crying".
I am pretty sure many here would swap their careers with Jordan Henderson, so just because they say that every time it doesn't mean it's not valid point.

I am pretty sure he can always spend one or two games on the bench if he feels exhausted.

I work probably the most in my family and probably also earn the most. And yet there are couple of people in my family who cry all the time about having to work saturdays, longer hours, etc., and I do that regulary and hardly ever complain because I know that will make me more money because I spend the most too. Do I complain? Not really, I don't need to work that much, but that's my decision, not anyone elses.

If I have any complaints I complain to my boss, and not to people around me.
 
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Amar__

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His main point is about fixture scheduling and why for years this period of the season is too packed in the English league, especially if you're one of the top clubs that are still in all or most of the competitions. It becomes more of an issue recently because of covid as that adds another reason why players may miss games, along with injuries.
Why doesn't he go playing to La Liga or Bundesliga then? He is good enough, he can pretty much chose the club there too.
 

sullydnl

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I don't get what exactly is his point? Does he want a medal for providing for his family?
Maybe they are not getting enough respect from their family, and not people around them? He can apways skip games if he wants to, I am pretty sure many player do that.

Poor footballers, having to work 3-4 hours a day in one of best facilites in the world with small group of people. While their entire family is protected, doesn't have to work anything, having everything they need in their house in this covid period so having less possibility of catching the covid than average person.

How about families where entire household has to work for 8-10 hours every day in crowded places, poor conditions, etc., and only for not being able to pay covid threatment once they get it.
His point is that the people who make the decisions within football don't consider player welfare enough, both during Covid and before. And he's pretty obviously right given how overtly determined the organisations involved are in wringing every last drop of football from them, even at the cost of lowering the actual quality of top level football we see.

Footballers' wages and the fact that they have a very good job is irrelevant to that, unless your point is that working-class men who earn a lot of money should know their place, stay quiet and let their betters treat them however they like. Otherwise, his criticism about the way football is run is fine.

The determination some people show to reflexively have a go at footballers because of the money they earn even when they're in conflict with mega-capitalist organisations that earn billions is amazing.
 

Solius

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His point is that the people who make the decisions within football don't consider player welfare enough, both during Covid and before. And he's pretty obviously right given how overtly determined the organisations involved are in wringing every last drop of football from them, even at the cost of lowering the actual quality of top level football we see.

Footballers' wages and the fact that they have a very good job is irrelevant to that, unless your point is that working-class men who earn a lot of money should know their place, stay quiet and let their betters treat them however they like. Otherwise, his criticism about the way football is run is fine.

The determination some people show to reflexively have a go at footballers because of the money they earn even when they're in conflict with mega-capitalist organisations that earn billions is amazing.
See the whole 39th game proposal as more proof of this.
 

SilentWitness

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Why doesn't he go playing to La Liga or Bundesliga then? He is good enough, he can pretty much chose the club there too.
:confused: What a weird comment and sounding a bit Tory there with the if you don't like it here feck off mentality. People are allowed to be upset about their current situation and still want it to change and be better. How rude of him to voice concern and wish for better welfare for players in this country and make it a better spectacle for the fans because they are likely to have more high quality games rather than depleted sides.
 

Amar__

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His point is that the people who make the decisions within football don't consider player welfare enough, both during Covid and before. And he's pretty obviously right given how overtly determined the organisations involved are in wringing every last drop of football from them, even at the cost of lowering the actual quality of top level football we see.

Footballers' wages and the fact that they have a very good job is irrelevant to that, unless your point is that working-class men who earn a lot of money should know their place, stay quiet and let their betters treat them however they like. Otherwise, his criticism about the way football is run is fine.

The determination some people show to reflexively have a go at footballers because of the money they earn even when they're in conflict with mega-capitalist organisations that earn billions is amazing.
His point about criticising the league is fine, I always think workman voice should be heard. However, I don't share a sympathy for him, because unlike in other fields of work he can choose where he can work, and how much he will work, other people don't have that comfort.

My wife for example complains about me working too much, and even though I agree with her, I don't think I should criticise anyone but myself for that, since thankfully it was me who decided how much I will work, and I choose to earn money and for my family to have comfort instead of having lots of free time. I am pretty sure there are Henderson's collegue in the same team who work far less than him, and are nowhere near exhausted.
 

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Jealous people who are unhappy with their shitty unfulfilled lives will always find a way to bash professional footballers.
 

Sandikan

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The schedule is a bit unbalanced, some times you'll not have a league game for 2 weeks with those dreadful international breaks, and other times you have 3 games in 6 days.
However, the latter is just over Christmas/New Year in the league and other runs of 3games a week often involve cups where rotations take place.

An artificial break this year would be difficult as if you can 1,2 or 3 round you might still find covid plays havoc the weeks after. Meaning for a horrible massive backlog.
 

Amar__

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:confused: What a weird comment and sounding a bit Tory there with the if you don't like it here feck off mentality. People are allowed to be upset about their current situation and still want it to change and be better. How rude of him to voice concern and wish for better welfare for players in this country and make it a better spectacle for the fans because they are likely to have more high quality games rather than depleted sides.
What a weird comment yourself.

I didn't feck off to him, I just said I don't share much sympathy for him, those are two different things.

He voiced his concern to media because he wants sympathy, I don't think he wrote letter to the FA, did he?