Detroit Lions’ Cassius Vaughn returns an interception. Picture: Dan Aitch.

Published: 30 October, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

LIKE a lot of fans, I was gripped by Sunday’s dramatic comeback. No, I’m not talking about forgotten Gooner Robin van Persie’s last-gasp equaliser for Manchester United against Chelsea. I’m talking about the Detroit Lions’ remarkable second-half showing that saw them come from 21-0 down to beat the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 with the last kick of the game at Wembley. 

Admittedly I had to listen out for the cheers and jeers from the sell-out crowd to work out whether or not something was good or bad – as the rules of the game still escape me. What doesn’t escape me, however, is the growing popularity of the sport on these shores. So much so that the NFL have announced that Wembley will host another three games next year. 

It got me thinking about all the controversy that is being generated by the idea of adding a 39th game to the Premier League season. 

The suggestion of playing an extra round of fixtures abroad was first mooted back in 2008, and has been dogged by criticism from fans and the media ever since. 

This week there was talk that the initial idea of playing an extra round of matches overseas at five different venues, with cities bidding for the right to stage them, is being revised – and that an altered concept would see one set of mid-season fixtures played out of England. 

If you ask me it’s a brilliant idea. 

I know it’s hard to let go of our beautiful game – but you only have to look at the delight and drama that unfolded at Wembley on Sunday to see the benefits of sharing it with the rest of the world.