Some things are bigger than cricket

Reaction to my latest columns...

Ben Stokes should not play any part in the Ashes. He broke a guy’s eye socket, that’s way more than self defence.

@capper_mike

Even if he is cleared by police Stokes should not play this series. Some things are more important than winning cricket matches. @JohnLamin

Ben Stokes should play if he is cleared, but otherwise no.

@PaulStainton

Should Posh be picking Ricky Miller or should he be banned until his case comes up, like Ben Stokes? @Happybob81

Stokes should have been available for selection throughout and only after being convicted should the ECB have considered any suspension. @mraadafu

Ben Stokes should play as he strengthens our side and until he’s proven guilty we should be behind him. A decision should be made either way and stuck to though as the uncertainty is disruptive to the squad and exactly what the Aussies want.

@LeightonGilbert

Who really cares about SPOTY anymore? It’s like a lot of long running programmes, well past its sell by date. There’s a load of nobodies in the running. Only one winner for me and that’s Lewis Hamilton.

@rclambert1951

Stokes should play. Until he’s charged he’s a free man.

@pieman80

Yes to Stokes. We need another batsman with fight to get us a result. @j_alexander9 Everton fans barking against the appointment of Sam Allardyce (above) as their manager are arrogant and deluded.

The Toffees were in serious danger of relegation. Appointing Allardyce has guaranteed that won’t happen.

So what if his team will play a primitive style? Fans should like winners and Allardyce has as good a chance as anyone of keeping them in the top half. West Ham are a shambolic outift since pleasing those supporters who wanted the team to play like they did in the 1960s and therefore ditch Allardyce. Anyway these same Everton fans couldn’t wait to see the back of Roberto Martinez as manager as his style of attractive football was undermined by defensive incompetence. Hypocrites, the lot of them.

THE NEW FACE OF FIFA

Gary Lineker (above) was happy to take money from a dodgy sporting organisation like FIFA to host a World Cup draw in a corrupt country like Russia. It smacks of shameless hypocrisy. A quick buck and a high profile appearance, trumped an opportunity to back up previous criticisms with actions. Decent draw for England though.

NO FLAIR, NO IMAGINATION

Rugby league fanatics are trying to tell me the World Cup Final between England and Australia was a high-class encounter. But I watched a match of no flair, no imagination, limited ball handling skills and few points. It was five sideways passes followed by a kick to the opposition. A golden chance to attract new followers was wasted.