The fools ruining beautiful game
THE surge in misbehaviour at end-ofseason play-off football fixtures should have taken no one by surprise. This has risen each season and the authorities should shoulder most of the blame. For decades, league tables decided which clubs would be promoted and relegated but, motivated by greed, a series of high-tension games were added to generate gate money and TV income. Before this, whichever team filled pre-designated promotion positions earned advancement. These one-off games can condense a season’s outcome into one playing moment or controversially disputed decision. Players, officials, police and stewards are put in danger when anger is ignited among aggrieved and disappointed fans. The way to defuse this dangerous situation is to return to league tables to decide promotions. But that would see less income for our beautiful game.
DAVID AINSWORTH, Romford, Essex.
FOOTBALL hooliganism is coming home, and the authorities must act quickly before someone is seriously injured or even killed during a crazy pitch invasion after the final whistle. Surely the time has come to erect mobile fences before the final whistle to stop this madness?
PAUL MARSTON, Walsall, W. Mids.
AS A football fan and former police inspector, I know that other than substantial barriers, no measures taken by officers and stewards can prevent a pitch invasion. What will work is peer pressure from fellow fans, combined with a sliding scale of sanctions including ground closures and points deductions. Fences would be a severe step. As with racist abuse and other inappropriate behaviour, true and loyal fans can have the best effect on the behaviour of the stupid minority.
STEVE MOLLOY, Cleeve, Somerset.
IN MY youth, I joined in a joyous endof-season pitch invasion and managed to slap one of my favourite players on the back to thank him. No fighting, no animosity, no players in danger. Why has it all gone wrong? A team’s failure to control fans should result in severe penalties. Games played behind closed doors are unfair on the opposition, so points deductions are the best solution. DAVID PATRICK MOORE,
Beckenham, Gtr London.