READERS' LETTERS JULY 2008

We will publish your letters on this page regularly, complete with comments from Jeff.

So why not write in and let us know what you are thinking about the goings on at Boro, Darlington and Hartlepool. We'll get your letter on the site as soon as we can.

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From: Alan C, 4th July 2008

I read the Rangers v Celtic debate and noted the glee with which the Celtic minded people talk about Rangers fans "destroying" Manchester.

There is something very wrong with this attitude from them. Do they not do irony or hypocrisy? This is a set of supporters who openly sing songs in praise of a bunch of cowards who placed a massive bomb in that city centre and left it to cause millions of pounds worth of destruction. Or have they forgotten about that?

I was in Manchester for the UEFA Cup Final and was stunned by the crowds - the place was not prepared for such an invasion. I saw a few dodgy characters but I never saw one bit of trouble. I did attend the match though.

I have seen some of the trouble on TV and the Internet and am sickened by the behaviour of those involved and will never make excuses for these morons.

However you have to remember that out of over 200,000 supporters, there were around 46 arrests. This is an incredily low figure and the vast majority of people must be applauded for their conduct before, during and after the match.

Jeff's reply

That was exactly my point Alan but unfortunately it's the bad news that makes the headlines. However, some relish castigating the other set of fans and what happened gave them an opportunity that they relished.

Best Wishes

Jeff

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From: Denis, 3rd July 2008

Have a look. Incidents like this were all too common in the bad old days.

Jeff's reply

Whether the ref was a Hun or not, he most certainly did not have a sense of humour.

Unless the player said something, I cannot believe he was sent off for kicking the ball at the ref. It was obviously not intended and surely it did not provoke the necessity for a Ronaldo/Drogba dive.

Best Wishes

Jeff

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From: turbine, 2nd July 2008

Jeff, I've just found your site - some good some bad. Never mind, it takes all sorts.

Anyway, I thought I would run this idea of mine by you to see what you think and maybe it could get implicated.

When a player is fouled and has to leave the field of play for treatment, would it not be a good idea for the player who commited the foul to leave as well and for him to return when the injured player returns or is substituted? That way, the teams would be even (i.e. ten men) and it might cut out some of the hatchet men.

Jeff's reply

It sounds like a good idea but it would probably lead to even more dissent and accusations of play acting. Also, sometimes a player gets injured when it is not a foul so we would still have the same problem of 10 v 11.

Best Wishes

Jeff

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From: Stuart Carey, 1st July 2008

Jeff, I don't know if this was raised before but you being a Rangers man (I'm a Tim myself), how do you think the Old Firm would do if they were allowed in the Premiership?

I think after a few years with the revenue, the "Big Four" wouldn't know what hit them.

Your thoughts Jeff?

Stu, Dublin

Jeff's reply

I don't think it will happen because UEFA would then try and have a GB team rather than the home nations. Then again, Welsh teams play in the English Leagues and Berwick in the Scottish.

The Premier League is all about money and the richest teams are the best. Rangers and Celtic, with their huge support, would add to the League and as their European form shows, they would compete very well.

As you say though, it would take a massive cash injection for them to really compete with the "Big Four". Look at Newcastle - "big crowds" don't guarantee success.

I think it would help Rangers and Celtic and their Scottish players if they were competing against better opposition each week.

Best Wishes

Jeff

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