FOR my own sanity, I turned off Twitter for a period on the weekend after becoming glued to the debate over Graham Arnold’s appointment as Socceroos boss post-World Cup.

The level of vitriol and divisiveness generated on social media – specifically amongst the microcosm of football diehards on Twitter - was overwhelming.

Debate is one thing, and a cornerstone of sport.

But it got to the point where a full argument was taking place, luring in some of the game’s most prominent pundits and journalists, about whether or not it is okay to stop following your national team (to whatever degree that entails given one’s previous devotion) in disgust at this coaching appointment.

Have we reached such toxic levels of acrimony in our game that support for the Socceroos, the national side of our country, is even being lured into the malevolence not just seeping into the game, but accompanying it everywhere?

The reaction said much about the temperament in the game at the moment.

There’s much for Football Federation Australia to be held to account over, especially the current frustration, malaise and confusion.

But once FFA went local, it had to be Arnold.

Simple as that.

(L-R) Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman Steven Lowy, Sydney FC coach Graham Arnold and FFA CEO David Gallop Source: AAP

It’s what makes the reaction to this announcement so confounding.

Yes, it would have been riveting to see a visionary overseas character - like Marcelo Bielsa or Ralf Rangnick or the other myriad of overseas names linked with the job, but who would have cost a fortune – become Socceroos boss, but what more can an Australian candidate do than dominate the domestic landscape as Arnold has, especially for the past two seasons?

The FFA tried to come up with a ‘feel good’ story as a smokescreen to the other narratives pervading with last week’s surprise announcement. That, and the fact it can end speculation about the future and provide clarity for all parties, especially Sydney FC, might somewhat explain the random timing on the eve of current boss Bert van Marwijk’s first camp.

The Arnie appointment was never going to be unanimous amongst fans. He is not everyone’s cup of tea – particularly to supporters of every club other than Central Coast and Sydney FC who have grown to see him as an antagonist, and a surly sideline character who they love to hate. Many have doubts, around his style and tactics on the international stage, and see him as the safe option at the other end of the spectrum to Ange Postecoglou. He also has a lot to prove – both as a coach on the international stage and a personality in a high profile position - and mistakes from his last time in the role to rectify. But to hang him out to dry because of what happened in 2007 is cheap.

This reaction runs deeper; further than a stylistic concern for those pining for a return to the thrill-a-minute Postecoglou playbook, or from those simply unhappy with the appointment.

The game is deeply divided at the moment, and this announcement was the perfect trigger for that doubt, angst and animosity to seep through.

Abandon the national team?

Heck, the game’s got enough issues, starting with the governance at the top, which has added to the existential angst over the state of the A-League, and seeps all the way down to the price of grassroots football.

There’s enough knockers waiting outside the door for the game to crumble, why do we try to open it for them to see us doing it inside?

Arnold deserves the chance to be assessed on his merits in this international tenure.

And everyone needs to take a long, deep breath as the new chapter begins.