HERESIES

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Sex, Violence and Redemption --
Soccer Hero Ignites Debate in England

By Veronique Mistiaen

Date: 11-26-96

A top professional football player assaults his wife in an incident which brings widespread condemnation from fans. But this story, from PNS correspondent Veronique Mistiaen, is set in England, where football is soccer and the coach of the national team has taken on the daunting task of reforming the player. Mistiaen is a London-based freelance reporter.

CAMBRIDGE, ENGLAND. Talk of the connection between sports and violence in England usually calls to mind mobs of young men -- "yobs" -- behaving badly before, during, or after games.

But in the last month or so, the possibility of a less visible connection between sport and violence unleashed widespread outrage across the country -- an outrage now tempered somewhat by willingness to believe in the possibility of redemption.

The focusing incident was the selection of Paul Gascoigne to the national squad, a sort of all-star team which represents England in the World Cup, soccer's highest prize.

Gascoigne, called "Gazza," is one of the game's most colorful and skillful figures. His valiant efforts during the European Championship in June won the hearts of many.

The 29-year-old peroxide-blond is also known for his short temper and low tolerance for alcohol. His fans usually forgive his mischief, but last month he went too far: he beat his wife Sheryl during a drunken argument in a Scottish hotel.

Newspaper pictures showed her heavily bruised with one arm in a sling -- a shocking contrast from the photo spread on their lavish wedding which appeared only a few months before.

A TV poll of more than 1,000 men and women found 71 percent said Gazza shouldn't have been selected. Another reported poll, taken at a playground by a little boy heart-broken over the conduct of his favorite, showed Gazza had lost the support of younger fans as well.

Women's groups attacked the coach of England's team for putting soccer before women's safety. "We don't want a wife-beater to be an ambassador of our country -- to give the impression that beating your wife is irrelevant compared to winning a match," said Julie Bindel of the advocacy group Justice for Women.

Teachers and educators were equally appalled. With a rash of youth violence in schools and on the streets, they argued, the coach, Glenn Hoddle, should have excluded Gazza from the national squad and so sent a clear message to young people.

But the coach defended his decision. Dismissing Gazza, he says, would be only a short-term solution.

"This is a chance to make an example of him in the long term. What a great example to youngsters it would be if he can change. I honestly believe he can," Hoddle told the media.

"There is no way I'd be backing a wife beater. I'm actually trying my hardest to make sure there will be one less in the future."

After two weeks of counseling, a subdued Gazza asked for forgiveness in a 20-minute, soul-bearing press conference.

"I don't blame the women's rights groups for wanting me kicked out," he said, looking contrite, "But I've been having lots of counseling for my private life and soccer, and since that started I feel a totally different person.

"I can't really describe the rage inside me. The pressures I've had more than any other player," he went on. "What I did to my wife, I deeply regret. It will live with me for the rest of my life."

Gazza's apology obviously touched the heart of many. A new poll showed only 43 percent saying he should not have been picked for the squad.

Some said Gazza's change of heart showed that giving a man the opportunity to alter his behavior is more important than punishment, among them Susie Orbach, the country's best-known feminist psychotherapist.

Others, like Bindel, were sorely disappointed. "I'm not interested in helping Gascoigne. Wife-beating is a crime. I want him imprisoned. You don't talk about helping a robber or a rapist. I am interested in protecting women from him."

None of this lays the basic questions to rest. Sports commentators wondered whether taming Gazza would harm the game. Rob Hughes, soccer correspondent for the Times of London, wrote of the "risk that, in subduing the errant temperament, they reduce Gascoigne the performer."