And I think a bit of lively debate between consenting adults is well within what would be considered right and proper by society at large. I think booing an old man probably isn't. But that wasn't your point. You said that everyone could express their opinion how they like. That assertion would suggest that bombing campaigns are a legitimate form of protest, for example. That's an extreme interpretation but on a more grounded level I don't think anyone would seriously argue that anyone can express an opinion in any way they like, surely it's got to fall within the bounds of acceptable and proportionate response in the context.
I don't boo him so bare that in mind when I say I suspect some do as they perceive he get freebies when they always see him on telly in shall we say conformable surroundings at big games
I do find it extraordinary that there is a statue of a cricket umpire in the town. Is that really an achievement worthy of being immortalised in bronze???
What's age got to do with it? And I agree with your last part, bounds of acceptability are the laws in that particular jurisdiction.
Hmmm, maybe I'm just old-fashioned. I'd like to think that acceptable behaviour in a civilized society extended further than merely complying with the law. Again, maybe I'm just old-fashioned.
He doesn't, he is at every home game health permitting. And for the record he buys his own season ticket. I think you're confusing him Gough.
Fair does mate, i didn't realise he had a season ticket. And for the record i buy my own season ticket.
This is the problem I think, people group him in with Gough and Parkinson when he really is Barnsley through and through. There is much more of an argument that the other two just use it when it suits.
Well said, Marlon. To everyone who replied to this thread may I just say that in my opinion Dickie has been a superb ambassador for Barnsley and for the Reds. He is a true supporter who pays for his season ticket. And locally he always has a kind "hello" to everyone in Mapplewell or Staincross. What is your problem with him!!!!! Okay, he has a statue in Barnsley, but why not???? Why do we have to criticise anyone in Barnsley who does well for themselves??????
I repeat this every time we talk about Dickie, but I've had the pleasure of his company countless times, from being a nipper over 20 years ago, right up until the present day. The blokes an absolute gent, and Tarn through and through. Revered all across the cricketing world, and I for one think the fact "he's just a retired umpire" with a statue in his hometown, tells you all you need to know about the man. I'm not disputing others opinions, who may have found him rude or whatever when they've come across him. But I'd be flabbergasted if I witnessed him being so. He's just not that way out. At all. But I suppose we all have our moments. The complete **** ends who booed him, are as bad as the **** nut adults who invade the pitch. Glad Dickie was there today (he's been up and down lately health-wise) to cheer on his beloved reds to a huge victory. You Reds.
I wasn't questioning your support mate, just pointing out that unlike our other cricket 'legend' Dickie is a proper fan.
Well said, YT. It would appear that the vasy majority of people taking the trouble to reply to this thread are in support of Dickie (and Marlon).
Even if I'd never so much as passed him in the street, I can think of no reason to criticise him. Jealousy, perhaps?
Beyond belief The bloke is 80 years old and has supported The Reds since he was a lad and played for the youth teams with his best mate Tommy Taylor (they were next-door neighbours). Once he became the best umpire in international cricket he spent most of the year abroad umpiring test matches and ODIs but always looked out for our results and went to as many games as he could. He now has a season ticket which is not a freeby from the club. He sometimes gets embarrassingly over emotional but that's no reason to boo him. FFS grow up you t*ssers.
I,ve seen him in town cafes,he usually pays with a bank bag of copper. He then comments ..it,ll give you something to do?smug! Take him or leave him but would,nt hurt him in any way .
That's because you do not appreciate what this man has achieved.....very sad really...only time will tell.
Dickie has achieved a lot and been well rewarded for it, especially as he has all the proceeds from the biggest selling sports book of all time, his autobiography. It was ghost written by Keith Lodge of course, who was only paid a small fee for his services. The Dickie Bird Foundation, helping disadvantaged young sports stars, has also been hit by much controvesy regarding its finances. Dickie has long been renowned as having short arms and long pockets and I've heard he can be a rather irritating dinner guest to say the least. Apparently Look North's Harry Gration had very sharp words with him at one dinner... However, none of this justifies booing him, but it may go some way to exlaining why some people may choose to do so...