Let us hope football is the talking point

There are times that, with the best will in the world and for better or for worse, your reputation precedes you. Russia’s World Cup has not even begun yet, but already the fans of certain teams are being viewed with suspicion. Chief among them, once again, are England.

While the vast majority of their fans attend such events with the sole priority of enjoying the beautiful game there has all too often been a sinister minority whose motivations are far less wholesome.

The wider relationship between Russia and the UK – at least in a political sense – is already at a low ebb and there are concerns that instability could fuel the fires when the World Cup starts next week. Amid a promise of “paramilitary style” policing, Britain has nevertheless been told it can supply six police officers for the event, who will be able to wear their traditional uniforms and so be easily identifiable.

Officials have been keen to point out current political tensions will have no bearing on either the welcome visiting fans can expect or the greeting those visitors will offer on arrival. That they have to offer such platitudes ahead of a sporting tournament is a sad indictment.

Yet there is, of course, another side to football. While it may divide, it also has the kind of ability to draw people together that politicians can only dream of.

Let us hope this summer’s World Cup is remembered for all the right reasons.