Should the pre-match 'friendly' handshake be done away with in Football

[Gromit]

This recently introduced ceremony before each football match is ill conceived. Rather than fostering a spirit of friendiness, they can be embarrassing and forced.

There was the John Terry / Wayne Bridge non handshake a couple of years ago. Bridge would not shake the hand of a man who had slept with the mother of his child.

Yesterday, Suarez of Liverpool refused to shake hands with Patrice Evra of Manchester United.

This forced handshake gesture is pointless, insincere and just asking for trouble. It should no longer be part of the pre-match ceremony.

[ludwig]

Yes, and while they're at it they could do away with the anthems at interntionals. Stop wasting time and get on with the game.

[sp1814]

With all the recent race rows, coupled with players sleeping with other players' ex-girlfriends, perhaps they should replace the pre-match handshake with a pre-match ten minute fight. Get it all out of their systems. No holds barred, but no weapons to be used.

[anotheoldgit]

Also Rio Ferdinand's refusal to shake Luis Suarez hand.

Time these overpaid kids grew up.

[Brenden]

First prayers at council meetings, now no handshakes at football matches (not a sign of friendliness more a sign of sportsmanship) what next?

[Twenty20]

Shaking hands is something gentlemen and sportsmen would do (or used to). Unfortunately, football these days isn't a gentleman's sport and it's pointless to pretend it is by having all this handshaking business.

[rov1100]

My answer to the question above would be more suitable here

///Once upon a time only the captains and referee officials would shake hands. Based on this latest furore regarding Suarez maybe we should return to this practice///

[weecalf]

what if matches were decided on the stock exchange cause its the clubs who are allowed to get into the most debt that are doing well.

[elgreco]

If boxers can touch gloves before they knock the c--p out of each other then I think that footballers could manage a gentle touch of the hand

[DTCwordfan]

elgreco lol.....

thelord's comment is disgraceful though.

[andy-hughes]

The lord - what does a player's ethnicity have to do with the Question?

[andy-hughes]

I think the courtesy of handshakes before a game is a nice gesture, but given that it is being hi-jacked to make grudge points, it is rapidly loosing its original function.

It would be better therefore if the custom was dropped.

[Dodger666]

"If boxers can touch gloves before they knock the c--p out of each other then I think that footballers could manage a gentle touch of the hand".....................

.........and then kick the c..p out of each other!