After his successful stint writing for our Crow column, Spurs’ fan Tony Dallas returns in a fortnightly
column casting his eye over the sport’s burning issues.  And with more than 20 years working as a sports development officer, he knows what he’s talking about.

IMAGINE, just for a moment, that you work in an industry that is worth billions! You’re earning upwards of £400,000-per-month and your personal wealth is in the millions.

Would you jeopardise that by sending a message to the world saying your boss is an idiot? That’s what Ashley Cole did and apart from a fine and a slap on the wrist, the likelihood is nothing else will happen.  

I believe the FA owe it to the future of the game to get its house in order, and for that to start, an example should be made because let’s face it, in any other walk of life as an employee, you’d be sacked.

The FA has given a directive about future conduct to all its players and although that should be applauded, the proverbial horse has already bolted. Let’s look at the bigger picture. The judge in John Terry’s racism case said that the evidence given by both the defendant and witness was “implausible”; that’s judge’s speak for a lie.

Cole’s defence for his Twitter outburst was that he came off of the training ground, saw the comments and was angry.

How many times has your boss said something that has made you angry? You might curse under your breath, but to actually Tweet your thoughts? No, this shows a kind of untouchable arrogance that many celebrities and sports stars seem to have.

The FA’s David Bernstein said he accepted Coles’ unreserved apologies because when he looked into his eyes, he knew he was telling the truth.

Well David, aren’t they the same eyes the judge in this case looked into?

Celebrities get away with things that us ordinary folk can’t, and that’s what is wrong with society.
What about the seven-year-old that idolises Cole and Terry?

What do we now say to them about respect for others and, more importantly, one’s self?  

I think the idea of social networking is great and brings us closer to our heroes, so both players should be made to Tweet messages of positivity to their followers.

Messages that uplift and empower supporters to do better.

For me, that and a ban. What better punishment could there be?

Did the FA get it right on Cole’s tweet?

Tell us what you think – sports@camdennewjournal.com