Pundit should be upbraided for condoning deliberate handball

During the Hamilton v Rangers match in the Scottish Cup a situation arose where a Hamilton player tried to chip the ball past David Weir to release a player running into the box behind the defence, whereupon Weir cynically stopped the ball with his hand.

I was then appalled to hear the Sky commentator commending Weir on his action while he was being given a yellow card by the referee. I believe his words were: "A good foul to give away because the Hamilton player was through on the keeper if he didn't stop the ball."

If he was an expert analyst he should have been slating Weir for cheating, and questioning why the referee was only giving him a yellow card.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

After all the furore we have had in recent times about fair play and how to prevent this type of cheating, I trust someone in the Sky Sports administration will be having a word in this so-called expert's ear and suggesting these type of comments are unacceptable, given that a great many youngsters are tuning in to these games and should under no circumstances be encouraged to copy this type of behaviour.

GRAHAM SMITH

Bergen

Dull Jam Tarts are a recipe for ending a lifetime's indulgence

Long retired, with Hearts FC even more important in my life than it ever was as an activity, I have ceased occupying my seat in the main stand.

I cannot recall a less entertaining team in over half a century, and one that plays at Tynecastle Stadium as if it was the away club.

Mediocre as sides have been in the past, they at least made some attempt when playing at home to camp in the visiting team's half.

For months now the only hope was to sign and field mature players with some kind of record as attack-minded players, but all hope of that now seems to be gone. Hopefully those juvenile players learning their trade this season will have matured in time for next.

DAVID McPHILLIPS

Broomfield Crescent

Edinburgh

SFA fines have done nothing to mend Hearts' discipline

Following the 1-1 draw in the New Year derby match at Easter Road, the big debate should really centre on Hearts' awful disciplinary record, which actually spans a couple of seasons.

In the latest incident, which led to two red cards rightly being issued by referee, Ian Brines, the main perpetrator just had to be a Hearts player.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In this case Hearts player Ruben Palazuelos blatantly head-butted a Hibernian player who then needlessly retaliated.

Palazuelos' reaction in the dugout area, prior to leaving the pitch, beggars belief when one considers Hearts' current disciplinary record this season.

I think tough punitive action is long overdue by the SPL hierarchy as previous fines and warnings to Hearts have clearly gone unheeded.

B JACKS

Craigleith Hill

Edinburgh

Related topics: