### Ethics at stake: The lessons of the suspension of Pablo Longoria
The recent suspension of Pablo Longoria, President of Olympique de Marseille (OM), following his bent comments on the refereeing of the match against Auxerre (3-0), raises much deeper questions about ethics in French professional football. This affair highlights not only individual behavior but also the global state of a sport which seems, on several occasions, oscillating between passion and controversy.
#### The media storm: between emotions and reality
Longoria, by working and speaking of “corruption” about arbitration, has certainly crossed a line, but what would be interesting to explore is the reason underlying this verbal explosion. Beyond poorly chosen words, there is a collective frustration among clubs, players and supporters vis-à-vis a system perceived as biased. This anger finds echo in several online surveys and discussions on social networks, where the subjectivity of arbitral decisions contributes to fuel passion and polarization.
On a psychological level, it is understandable that Longoria reacted with such zeal after a match where his team felt injured. Statistics show that arbitral decisions considerably influence the results of the matches, and OM, a historic candidate for the title, has often been at the controversy center. According to a study published in the “Journal of Sports Management”, almost 70 % of L1 clubs said they felt disadvantaged by arbitral decisions during the previous season.
#### An ethical charter in times of crisis
The Professional Football League (LFP) reacted by inflicting a substantial suspension of Longoria, depriving it not only of its functions, but also of its access to the sensitive areas of the game. The ethics charter, which supervises behavior within clubs, seems to have been put forward as an answer to the incident. But is it enough to regulate emotions in a sport where passion is omnipresent? The purpose of the pronounced sanction aims to maintain an image of integrity but it could, in the long term, create a climate of fear and repression of opinions, thus limiting the freedom of expression of those who experience sport on a daily basis.
#### a parallel with other sports
Other sports disciplines have gone through similar crises. Let us take the example of the NBA, where figures like Mark Cuban, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, have often expressed their frustrations towards the referees. However, these generally found a balance between their emotions and the consequences of their words. Sanctions exist, but the dialogue remains open and essential.
A comparison with the NBA could offer avenues for reflection to the LFP. Why not consider official platforms where club leaders can express themselves on controversial decisions, in a framework where dialogue is valued rather than repressed? This could reduce the temptation for presidents to make flamboyant statements on social networks, often perceived as attempts at media entertainment to the detriment of sporting reality.
### Repercussion on the psychological balance of players
Behind this case also hides the psychological impact on players. Critics of leaders can influence a team’s mindset. For example, Marseille players can find themselves juggling with the pressure of a club that feels injured while having to perform on the field. A study by sports psychologists claims that the emotional environment, created by public statements on arbitration and transparency of decisions, can have a direct impact on the yields of players.
### conclusion: a call for reflection
In short, the situation of Pablo Longoria goes beyond a simple communication problem. She exhibits systemic cracks within French football, where the image of ethics comes up against an intense emotional reality. A more flexible and inclusive approach, encouraging dialogue rather than repression, could generate an atmosphere where frustrations can be expressed in a constructive manner.
Football, after all, is a mirror of human passions. To keep his integrity, he must also learn to manage these passions, rather than muzzle them. The repercussions of this incident are an opportunity to think about how football can evolve, not only for leaders, but also for all those who vibrate to the rhythm of this emblematic sport.