After the latest ‘handshakegate’ farce, which saw more column inches and television time spent on the latest spat between Liverpool’s Luis Suarez and Manchester United’s Evra, than the game between two of the biggest clubs in this country itself, it is time to end the FA Respect Handshake.
Even today, Suarez and both clubs have released statements in what they hope will be an end to the matter but how long will it be before another player refuses to shake an opponent’s hand, sparking another media field day?
The “Respect” handshake has clearly not changed anything since it was introduced and bookings and red cards are at the same levels they have been for years.
Many of us grew up with the captain of a team representing his team, his club and its supporters, shaking hands with the opposing captain and match officials for the right to take the kick off or have the choice of ends.
For us, this is the only handshake that needs to happen before kick off and the sooner, this sham, is removed from our game the better.