Don't hate the player, hate the game..?

Question

I've always tried to make sense of this quote but I never could.

Can anyone tell me what it means?

Answer 1

for example, the italian national football team is known for its diving. if you are penalised by an italian who dives, don't hate the italian but the game for incorporating it and not dealing with cheating effectively

Answer 2

It means, Just because you dont like the game (or whatever they are refering to) dosnt mean everyone involved in it should be disliked also.

Answer 3

Similar to don't kill the messenger.(because you do not like the message.) The game, like war, is the creation of others, the player, like the soldier, is caught up in it but not responsible for it.

Answer 4

hate the game.

Answer 5

Rules don't Always 'Seem Fair'...!!