Should we boycott the World Cup in Russia?

HOWEVER strongly we might feel about the deplorable chemical attack in Salisbury, there should not be calls to boycott the World Cup. Sport must not be used as a political big stick. The only people who will be penalised will be the sport-loving public. There are many more effective measures I’m confident the Government and Nato could implement.

PAUL RYAN, address supplied. There are many obvious issues going on with regard to demonising russia which are not all subtle: banning russian athletes from competing in the Olympics, then reinstating them, and now the events in Salisbury just before the World Cup. It seems there has to be an enemy and russia is it. Later on it will return to being China or Iran, but oddly not Saudi Arabia. It is ‘trial by media’. Morals, ethics, values, standards, justice, the important guidelines we used to abide by in the past have all disappeared and it is imperative that we now bring them back, together with a responsible, free Press for the sake of us all, and our country.

SHEILA ATTWATER, Sw, indon, Wilts.

SPORT and politics should be kept apart, but sometimes a clash is inevitable. Russia is poised to host the World Cup but after its aggression in Ukraine and Crimea, the downing of an airliner, the ongoing attack in Syria and interference in US elections, we must think again. FIFA is making a grave mistake if it allows the World Cup to go ahead, as it signals to Russia that it will do nothing no matter how severe the provocation.

TONY STEWART, Edinburgh.