I just finished watching the 1st leg of the Singapore - Thailand Asean Football Championship Finals on television. Though the Lions beat the Thais two goals to one, I felt it was not a glorious victory.
Singapore scored the first goal in the 17th minute of the game. Thailand levelled the score when they netted the ball in the 50th minute. Towards the closing period of the match, Singapore was awarded a penalty due to a supposed foul against a Lions' striker in the box.
The foul was played over and over again just to allow the viewers to see for themselves whether it was a clear penalty. To me, it was not even close. Though I am a Singaporean, hoping that the Lions would win, I felt that the striker could have been honest enough to admit that it was not a foul against him. Though he did not demand for it and it was the referee who awarded the penalty, I still feel integrity of the individuals should come forth.
The Thai players were so infuriated that they decided to boycott the game. They marched off the field and for 10 minutes, they refused to carry on with the match. After some persuasion and coaxing from the match officials, they decided to go on.
The penalty was taken. The goal scored. The match ended with a victory to the Lions.
I understand that the above-mentioned was just a game but I was just thinking - what would I do if I am that player who was fouled but knew it was not the fault of the Thai defender whatsoever. Would I go to the referee and tell him that I was just trying to head the ball into the net but missed it and upon landing, I fell backwards which then made it looked as if it was the Thai defender who pulled me down?
If for a moment I had to think about it, then I would have compromised my integrity. Many times in my life I was faced with similar situations like this when I knew I needed to do the right thing but in the end, I did the opposite instead. The reason - just so that I would not be embarrassed; or put my reputation at stake; or fear people would think I am trying to be the righteous, holy guy; or just so that I can get my way.
I might have got away scot-free each time I compromised but I must remember that in the end, I am still answerable to the ONE who is watching my every move.
I pray what I have written above will not just be plain talk. I sure hope I will do the right thing the next time I am faced with a situation where my integrity is being tested.
"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9
"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:6-8
Singapore scored the first goal in the 17th minute of the game. Thailand levelled the score when they netted the ball in the 50th minute. Towards the closing period of the match, Singapore was awarded a penalty due to a supposed foul against a Lions' striker in the box.
The foul was played over and over again just to allow the viewers to see for themselves whether it was a clear penalty. To me, it was not even close. Though I am a Singaporean, hoping that the Lions would win, I felt that the striker could have been honest enough to admit that it was not a foul against him. Though he did not demand for it and it was the referee who awarded the penalty, I still feel integrity of the individuals should come forth.
The Thai players were so infuriated that they decided to boycott the game. They marched off the field and for 10 minutes, they refused to carry on with the match. After some persuasion and coaxing from the match officials, they decided to go on.
The penalty was taken. The goal scored. The match ended with a victory to the Lions.
I understand that the above-mentioned was just a game but I was just thinking - what would I do if I am that player who was fouled but knew it was not the fault of the Thai defender whatsoever. Would I go to the referee and tell him that I was just trying to head the ball into the net but missed it and upon landing, I fell backwards which then made it looked as if it was the Thai defender who pulled me down?
If for a moment I had to think about it, then I would have compromised my integrity. Many times in my life I was faced with similar situations like this when I knew I needed to do the right thing but in the end, I did the opposite instead. The reason - just so that I would not be embarrassed; or put my reputation at stake; or fear people would think I am trying to be the righteous, holy guy; or just so that I can get my way.
I might have got away scot-free each time I compromised but I must remember that in the end, I am still answerable to the ONE who is watching my every move.
I pray what I have written above will not just be plain talk. I sure hope I will do the right thing the next time I am faced with a situation where my integrity is being tested.
"The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out." Proverbs 10:9
"Similarly, encourage the young men to be self-controlled. In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." Titus 2:6-8
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