UFC referee Marc Goddard has opened up concerning the rising concern of on-line abuse aimed toward officers and fighters throughout the MMA group. Regardless of being one of many sport’s most revered figures, Goddard says that one of these harassment has grow to be a troubling norm within the digital age.
Marc Goddard and Michael Bisping on Abuse
Talking candidly with former UFC champion Michael Bisping, Marc Goddard acknowledged that whereas criticism of referees and fighters is a part of the job, the extent of abuse he faces goes far past constructive suggestions.
“We’re human beings. Nobody should be beyond reproach, and that’s fine,” Goddard mentioned. “A lot of the times, the people that criticize don’t even know the rules themselves, but you’ve got to let them say their thing. They may not agree with you, and that’s cool—that’s human nature.”
Nonetheless, the scenario takes a darker flip when the criticism morphs into private assaults. Goddard defined that whereas criticism is a part of the job, the abuse directed at him and others is one thing they aren’t paid to endure.
“The bit that you’re not paid to do, the bit that you’re not paid to accept, is the abuse,” he mentioned. “It’s easy to just turn a blind eye, wash it out. Because even if you notice something or talk to someone back, I think invariably that’s what people want. You know, they want to be like, ‘He noticed me!’” Former UFC fighter Michael Bisping, added, “They always want a reaction.”
Marc Goddard emphasised the significance of not partaking with on-line criticism, stressing that in search of validation from the general public is just not a part of his job. “If I’ve done something that wasn’t right or wasn’t correct, no one will know faster than me,” he mentioned. “The younger generation, obviously like our kids and stuff, they don’t have the comparison. So, this stuff, like this, is completely normalized to them.”
This normalization of abuse, significantly on social media, has raised issues concerning the psychological toll on these concerned within the sport. Goddard identified that the youthful technology’s fixed entry to social media has led to a shift in how followers work together with athletes and officers, making the abusive habits appear virtually anticipated.
As one of many sport’s most influential figures, Marc Goddard continues to advocate officiating requirements. He has been acknowledged for his work within the MMA group, together with being named Referee of the Yr on the 14th Annual World MMA Awards in 2022. His legacy additionally consists of his work with “Safe MMA,” a charity targeted on medical security in MMA, and his improvement of a globally acknowledged referees and judges course. Regardless of the challenges he faces, Goddard stays devoted to his position within the sport.
