Like Freud’s theory, the frustration-aggression hypothesis states that that if aggressive behaviour occurs it will have a cathartic effect, reducing frustration levels and therefore aggression. However, this is where the theory may fall short in explaining Rooney’s actions and it is a common criticism of Dollard’s work. Individuals can be aggressive even when there is no clear explanation or evidence of frustration, such as in Rooney’s case. Furthermore it is not clear that aggressive acts have a cathartic effect as there is no biological basis and research shows aggressive acts can actually increase levels of aggression. It only takes a look at Chelsea’s clash with QPR at Loftus Road, where nine yellow cards and two straight reds were issued, to support that criticism of the theory. Lastly, many performers report feeling more anxious, stressed and frustrated after the event than before it and this feeling was reverberated by Rooney, “it’s devastating for me.”
So what was the cause for Wazza’s wicked whack to Dzudovic? Well Freud may have this one; it is plausible to think that Wayne Rooney simply had a lot bottled up inside him and his opponent just happened to be in an environment where the displacement of aggression was deemed suitable to the born Evertonian fan.
There are two closing points that some critics of the 26-year old hit man may prefer, though; firstly Rooney may be the victim of bracketed morality, an environment of a double standard where Rooney may have his aggressive behaviour condoned through such comments as, “that’s Wayne being Wayne I don’t think you can take that out of him, the minute you take that spirit out of his game you will lose a big part of what he gives the team. His aggression is one of his big strengths.”*
Lastly, it may simply be the case that Wayne Rooney was plucked from the academy at a young age, pushed up into the first team and had his game praised so emphatically and endlessly that that 16 year-old that scored the winner against a 30-game unbeaten Arsenal never felt the need to grow up. He had made it. Everyone loved him. His game was described as “perfect,” and this left Rooney a casualty of underdeveloped moral reasoning.
Whilst his displays of insanity will forever frequent his career, his talent shines through all the cracks that such outbursts make in the player’s life. He is the English talent of the generation, he is an inspiration on the pitch and most importantly, when you look back on his career when he has long retired and we are dubbing Joe Bloggs the “next Wayne Rooney” it is the overhead kick and the debut hat-trick that will be remembered.
*Frank Lampard on Rooney when he was just 18 years old
Written by Jordan Florit for www.maycauseoffence.com/ For more articles like this visit my website or my Twitter @JordanFlorit
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In view of the fact that the FA are, invariably, only too willing to penalise Man United for indiscipline much more harshly than they do other clubs, and, even when there has been just cause to appeal against an FA decision, they seem to delight in increasing the penalty, citing frivolity, would it not seem to be poetic justice if UEFA were to be equally as bloody-minded and to increase the ban on Rooney as being frivolous ?
It would, after all, take him out of the area of possible injury and exalted expectations and keep him fresher for those that truly appreciate him.