Pre match handshake - run its cause?

Once upon a time, no trouble used to revolve around the pre match handshakes, with each and every participant willing to respect each other and shake the hands of their opponents. However, controversy has surrounded the pre match handshake in recent times. Firstly, the Suarez-Evra received massive widespread controversy with an unnecessary reluctance to shake each others hands, which was quickly followed by the Terry-Ferdinand saga which took a very similar course. Although it is only the smallest of minorities giving pre match handshakes a bad name, the question still remains unanswered; should the pre match handshake be abolished?


Ferdinand's reluctance to shake Terry's hand has sparked a debate
whether pre match handshakes should be abolished

Like I mentioned before, it's only been a couple of occurrences where there has been controversy in the pre match handshake. Controversy is inevitable wherever you look in football, and to me it’s fairly surprising that after how long its being going on for, that we are only getting these problems now. Taking into account how many problems we’ve had with the handshake to date, surely these few instances should be ignored and not be a valid reason to abolish pre match handshakes?

In addition, to some the pre match handshake is a symbol of respect and fair play and is a massive part in football. Although a handshake doesn't seem to hold too much significance, I can understand why some believe it does. Not only does it resemble respect and fair play, but it also provides a positive image for world football. Football has gone through very rough times and has suffered in the face of heavy negative publicity in the past, and therefore some believe it must be retained if people’s opinions are going to change for the better in regards to football.



Eyes will be on Evra and Suarez on Sunday regarding whether
they will shake hands or not

But these occurrences are enough for people to oppose the pre match handshake. The handshake is meant to be a sign of respect and by not shaking someone’s hand is just calling for unnecessary and avoidable controversy. Robbie Savage in particular has let his disapproval of the pre match handshake known, having branded the handshake as being 'pointless' and causing 'unnecessary conflict.' others have also attacked the handshake, saying that it should be abolished if controversy is going to erupt so needlessly.



Despite others leaping to the defence of the pre match handshake, I think that the handshake is not a necessity, and therefore in some cases; should be abolished. I believe that it is fairly important to be retained, as it represents respect shown between players as well as sending out a positive image about football. However, this being said, the handshake is not an integral part of the game, and should sometimes be called off. The controversy that has surrounded the Suarez-Evra and Terry-Ferdinand sagas to me is just unnecessary, and attracts needless negative publicity to football. Therefore, if an instance is likely to occur similar to those examples given above, I am for scrapping pre match handshakes, but ONLY if possible controversies are going to occur.

What do you think? Comment on this post, or follow me on Twitter @JamesStroud1995 if you wish to share your opinion. Thank you for reading.