Sometimes, it is worse in tennis than it is in football.
Brats being so absurdly feted and indulged that they feel empowered, without fear of retaliation, to verbally abuse grown men and women trying to honestly officiate their sport.
And it has long been a source of bafflement that any adult can sit in a high chair and be abused by a character such as Nick Kyrgios, for example, without succumbing to the urge to clamber down and wrap a racket around his pampered neck.
Five days on from Constantine Hatzidakis tapping Andy Robertson’s chin for being where it should not have been, there is probably one thing most can agree on. Such has been the persistent denigration and harassment of football officials that it was only a matter of time before the biter was bitten.
One day, someone will clock Kyrgios but, in the meantime, at least we will be able to hold him to account for what he says because we can, normally, clearly hear it and clearly see it. Apart from the invasions of his space, what, if anything, prompted Hatzidakis to give Roberston a dig?
Perhaps we will find out … but it is unlikely.
We should, though. If the authorities cannot bring themselves to exert a level of punishment that compels players to behave, then at least have a go at shaming them into it.
Recently, the Football Association commissioned a trial of body cameras for referees at grassroots level. The body cameras are being used by four county associations in England and the results are already reported to be significant.
How should the Premier League handle the Robertson situation? Have your say in the comments below.
Body cameras are being widely used by the police and if they are useful in maintaining law and order on the streets, why not on the football pitch?
And, of course, they gather indisputable evidence, which might, in football’s case, actually convince these feeble independent commissions to stop handing out pathetic punishments for the intimidation of officials.
Remember when Jurgen Klopp got in the face of the assistant referee at Anfield during a game against Manchester City earlier this season? Body cam footage and audio of that particular incident would have made for interesting viewing and listening.
It might have meant the Football Association would not have had to appeal just to get the Liverpool manager a one-match touchline ban.
Unobtrusive, the cameras would not only provide an unarguable account of incidents - we would know EXACTLY what went on between Aleksander Mitrovic and Chris Kavanagh, for example - they would act as a clear deterrent.
After all - Kyrgios apart, maybe - there cannot be many self-respecting professional sportsmen or women who want their gross misbehaviour to be captured on camera, up close and personal.
It is a sad reflection on the behavioural standards in football that the need is felt to bring these body cams into the game at grassroots level. But as everyone keeps pointing out, grassroots and junior football apes so much of what goes on at the highest level.
So, let’s whizz through these trials and get Premier League referees and their assistants wired up. And at least when the next official chins a player, we should know why.
