UFC referee Marc Goddard has opened up in regards to the rising situation of on-line abuse geared toward officers and fighters throughout the MMA group. Regardless of being one of many sport’s most revered figures, Goddard says that this kind of harassment has change into 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. No person ought to be past reproach, and that’s advantageous,” Goddard stated. “Numerous the instances, the people who criticize don’t even know the principles themselves, however you’ve received to allow them to say their factor. They could not agree with you, and that’s cool—that’s human nature.”
Nevertheless, the state of affairs 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 simply’re not paid to do, the bit that you simply’re not paid to just accept, is the abuse,” he stated. “It’s straightforward to simply flip a blind eye, wash it out. As a result of even should you discover one thing or speak to somebody again, I feel invariably that’s what individuals need. You realize, they wish to be like, ‘He observed me!’” Former UFC fighter Michael Bisping, added, “They all the time need a response.”
Marc Goddard emphasised the significance of not partaking with on-line criticism, stressing that looking for validation from the general public just isn’t a part of his job. “If I’ve completed one thing that wasn’t proper or wasn’t right, nobody will know quicker than me,” he stated. “The youthful era, clearly like our youngsters and stuff, they don’t have the comparability. So, these items, like this, is totally normalized to them.”
This normalization of abuse, notably on social media, has raised considerations in regards to the psychological toll on these concerned within the sport. Goddard identified that the youthful era’s fixed entry to social media has led to a shift in how followers work together with athletes and officers, making the abusive conduct 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 “Secure MMA,” a charity targeted on medical security in MMA, and his growth of a globally acknowledged referees and judges course. Regardless of the challenges he faces, Goddard stays devoted to his function within the sport.
