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Richard Littledale

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Views on the News: July 1998

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Blame...and where to take it... referee

red It's all a question of perspective really, isn't it? With a microphone thrust into his face on the night of England's World Cup defeat, Glen Hoddle was able to say that it was "not a night for blame" and that "at least no-one died". One week on, looking into the future, he may see things differently. Meanwhile, with his ignominious night behind him, and a Spice Girl by his side, David Beckham may feel better able to cope with his critics. By now even David Batty can look forward to lucrative pizza advertising contracts around the corner!

red However, for England supporter, Paul Birch, a different perspective is a luxury he cannot afford. He is languishing in a prison cell in Bourgoin-Gallieu, near Grenoble after mistakenly stabbing French comedian Eric Frachet. Not only did he mistake him for an Argentinian supporter, but he also mistakenly assumed that he was serving team and country by attacking him. The mistake has proved to be a costly one, for all concerned. In the circumstances, Glen Hoddle's words have an uncannily prophetic ring to them.

red Ironically, the discussion concerning Messrs Battle, Hoddle and Beckham will continue long after Birch's fate is swallowed up in a national surfeit of football breast beating. In pubs and television studios alike there are hours of discussion to come from the pundits about the relative culpability of Beckham's petulance, Batty's shooting and Hoddle's selection. The words of the Prayer of General Confession seem not too far away: "through negligence, through weakness, through our own deliberate fault..." Whilst those discussions must take place in England, it is probably Birch and other like him who are more in need of confession.

red The gap between the genuine football supporter and the opportunist thug grows ever wider and there is no need for yet another article condemning the violence of the few. However, both Birch in his cell and Beckham in his penthouse suite would agree that forgiveness is worth more than money can buy. Both would agree too, that forgiveness is a messy, even bloody business. Where will you try to buy yours?

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