Footy crimes unpunished

WE READ reports of one citizen assaulting another, then suffering the consequences in the form of a fine or a prison term. Often the guilty one will end up with a criminal record.

Now watch a game of football and see a deliberate assault by a player against another. Punishment ( if any) is at the discretion of the referee and sometimes by the game’s hierarchy. We assume no criminal record will result.

For those who see no harm in these assaults, consider the young footballer who suffered a broken neck and the life he now leads as a quadriplegic, together with the ongoing burden placed on those who care for him. Meanwhile the players who dumped him on his head lead a normal life and have not been charged by the law.

Will someone please explain the difference between on- field and off- field behaviour? I see none.

FRANK PYNE,

Aitkenvale.