TIME TO GET TOUGH..

The John Terry case has once more brought the parallel universe of professional football into disrepute, highlighting as it did the neanderthal goings-on between players `at the highest level.`

Now, when I refereed football matches way back in the days of Dubbin and Sloan`s Liniment, there used to be a law of the game that allowed for players using `foul and abusive language` to a match officials to be booked if not dismissed.   I have no idea whether such a law still exists but judging from the serial abuse dished out to referees by players, I have my doubts whether it does.


If that law has gone by the wayside it might be time for football once more to take a leaf from the laws of Rugby Union and get tough by using a sin bin.   Trouble is, football being what it is, a naughty step would probably be more appropriate.