Jonny Tuffey’s hope for positives over player abuse and youth support

Glenavon goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey is hoping positives from this year of turmoil may include a change in long-term thinking across certain Irish League areas.
Glenavon goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey. Pic by Pacemaker.Glenavon goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey. Pic by Pacemaker.
Glenavon goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey. Pic by Pacemaker.

The 33-year-old will line out at Mourneview Park today against Crusaders in the first behind-closed-doors league fixture of the latest NI Executive ‘circuit breaker’.

A ban on supporters attending live sport has been extended to include elite-level events such as the Danske Bank Premiership.

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Tuffey accepts the disruptions to Irish League life as a small aspect of the bigger picture in a world now forever shaped by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. He appreciates the opportunity afforded to Premiership players to continue competitive football - a sense of privilege now only enhanced by the forthcoming absence of fans.

However, Tuffey also holds concerns over ongoing issues such as personal abuse from a small minority of fans towards players and the need to ensure systems of support for those within the game.

“Certainly with the latest restrictions coming into effect we all look forward more than ever to the day supporters can return to Irish League football as normal,” said Tuffey. “As players, once we cross that white line it should not matter how many people are in the ground as the focus is on the job of getting three points.

“But we also recognise the importance of live football to our fans and the value of having supporters inside the ground to everyone, including the clubs overall.

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“I cannot emphasise enough that football without fans is nothing.

“But I would also hope that maybe with everything going on this year it gives everyone an opportunity to take stock and re-evaluate certain aspects.

“We are always only talking about a small section of any fanbase but the personal abuse directed towards players still remains something that we need to address.

“This is not simply criticism about a performance, I mean when it goes over the line and becomes personal about an individual or his family.

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“I can see the detrimental impact on the wellbeing of players.

“It would be unacceptable in any other walk of life.

“Now, at a time when the importance of mental health and wellbeing is especially emphasised given everything else going on, it would be wonderful for some to use this period and think.

“I would also encourage everyone within the game to think about what support is available to younger players, not just in terms of dealing with something like abuse but for any problem.

“At Glenavon we have a changing room full of big characters but players with experience willing and open to offer advice and guidance to young players or those new to the club.

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“I feel we certainly have an environment in which anyone struggling with any issue can talk to a team-mate or someone at the club - but, overall, it’s another area deserving of attention.

“We are all so fortunate to be playing the game, so it seems like a good time to think about how we can improve for the future.”

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