MSA Statement

[Phil]

Last night, Graham Male (Chairman of the MSA) along with MSA Committee members Barry Male and Ken Hall, attended player training to apologise on behalf of the 'supporter' who aimed harsh criticism of the team's performance at one of the players (Joe Bercis). Joe assured all concerned that he wasn't offended.

Graham has since wrote the following and would welcome a response. (Please click on attachment to read)

Attachments:

[studleyken]

Everyone please take note. Come on you Mooooose and Mose Supporters.

[Phil]

An excellent editorial in this weeks Moseley Matters.

Respect – A core value of rugby.

It’s won’t have escaped your notice that the football heartland of Aston hosted two rugby
internationals this weekend as Villa Park changed the round ball for the oval ball.

And a great success it was too from the work put in by the management team at Villa Park,
Birmingham council, the organisers of RWC2015 and numerous others too many to mention.
Let’s hope it’s not another 62 years before we see an international team visit again.

What was also very noticeable was the fantastic, friendly atmosphere at the ground with fans
of all four team, and a significant number of local spectators looking to enjoy the event, came
together before, during and after the games to share in the moment. Without wishing to
malign another sport the atmosphere at the weekend hasn’t probably been the norm at the
ground.

Underpinning all of this was respect. The respect opposition fans have for each other right
through to the respect players’ show for the referees (no matter how baffling some decisions
may seem). On Sunday Uruguay left the field with the greatest respect of all spectators
having refused to let their heads drop despite facing one of the most effective of teams in
Australia.

And it’s this respect throughout all areas of the game which makes it such a special sport and
long may it keep this ethos.

Unfortunately while Uruguay were receiving the deserved applause of the crowd as they left
the field less savoury events occurred at the end of Moseley’s game in Nottingham.

Unfortunately it appears that a member of the travelling support decided not to wait for the
coaching staff to provide a debrief of the game to players and saw fit to take it in his (or her)
hands to berate on of the team on their performance after the match.

That they chose to do this to one of the younger players of the squad and a new member as
well is particularly disappointing, disturbing and cowardly with no excuse for such behaviour.

We can all get frustrated in the heat of watching the game and shout out words of
“encouragement”, but to seek out a player on a one to one basis to vent frustrations is totally
unacceptable. It has always been a part of the club that players & coaches are approachable
and happy to discuss things with supporters, but there are lines that should not be crossed
and personal tirades are not part of the game.

We would hope the individual in question reflects on what has occurred and seeks to make
amends, but we should remind all supporters that it is expected that players, coaches officials
etc. are always treated with the respect rugby is known for.

Unfortunately if such a display occurs again the club will be within its rights to take steps to
resolve including considering banning such individuals from home games.

[Westcountry Mose]

I don't condone the actions of the individual concerned and have previously expressed my disappointment elsewhere on this messageboard. However, we appear to be going over-board with this. Many of us receive unfair criticism at some point in our working life. Sportsmen and sportswomen are no different. I for one would think very carefully before venting any frustration at a 6ft 14st athelete!

[welshexile1963]

Absolute disgrace, I wonder if the "supporter" is brave enough to admit it is them? We all get frustrated but I never doubt the commitment of our players and coaching staff and I am sure whatever we as supporters feel they must feel it 10 times more. So I would say to the players and coaches that I am sure 99.9% of the supporters are fully behind you.

Come on Mose!!!!

[robheap]

I hadn't heard about this incident until I read moseley matters a short time ago.
I'm shocked and amazed that a rugby "supporter" could perpetrate such an act.
Totally agree with sentiments expressed in moseley matters and the MSA statement,
Surely this so called supporter should be apologising himself?
If has the balls to do so.
Failing that he should be barred from moseley fixtures until he does.
Villa park atmosphere was amazing last weekend and fortunately we're lucky enough to experience that type of atmosphere at billesley every home game, it would be a huge pity if we end up with this type of behaviour becoming common place.
Cmon you Mose, rest assured we'll be there supporting the team come what may and as long as the lads give of their best that's all we can ask as supporters.