'Champions' League

[Sweder]

Oh I don't blame Gerrard - it's his job to win for his team and he put the penalty away ruthlessly. I think what was odd was the lino made the call - perhaps it looked like attempted homicide from his viewpoint. It was a risible decision resulting from incompetent officiating rather than simulation - Gerrard made an honest attempt to win the ball and can't be expected to turn down the offer of a last-gasp equaliser.

I would like to point out that Hull got a pen at the Devilbowl on Saturday that was arguably a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, so it can go against the big home clubs too. Agreed the malaise is widespread and not limited to football. In F1 - a 'sport' I usually avoid at all costs due to the dizzying effect of watching things go round and round at high speed - it seems overtaking is being squeezed out just as hard but fair tackling is under threat in the beautiful game.

Did you hear Wenger's disgraceful comments about Stoke City tonight? He accused the Stoke players of 'cowardice' - apparently they refused to allow his team to play as they wished and actually made physical contact during the match. Not only that but Rory Delap, a man well known for his ability to string perfect daisy-chains and his kindness towards small dogs, set out to deliberately maim his players. Zut Alors! Whatever next? Wenger's a bright spark and I fear he sees a future where hard-tackling center-halves and tough midfield generals are consigned to history. Why else build a team without them?

Badminton is the only answer - 'girl's tennis' according to SP. Fair play, tea breaks and knitting between matches . . . ah, the cut and thrust of high-tempo sport!