SOMETHING startling happened in football last Saturday. Yes, two penalties were actually awarded for shirt tugging – and this was in the Premier League.
For years the impression has been given that the hand-off and pulling back by the jersey was part and parcel of football and that the laws had been quietly amended, as in rugby league regarding feeding the scrums, knock-ons, forward passes etc, but s
uddenly action has been taken.
Richard Stearman, of Wolves, who had already been booked, produced the 'Let's have a look at the size of your shirt' against Wigan, was again booked and sent off but the subsequent penalty was saved.
Man City's Micah Richards foolishly hauled back Everton's Louis Saha when there was no danger and the linesman, to his great credit, flagged for a penalty which was scored.
If this catches on there could be more attacking football. The trouble is the penalties also need to be given against the home side at places like Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge and Anfield, so don't hold your breath too long.
You can bet the World Cup will still be the same tripping and tugging saga with pot luck whether culprits are penalised and before we start, England are as bad as the rest.
I'm beginning to warm to England footie boss Fabio Capello because he treats these spoiled millionaires as what they are, big kids lucky to be playing football for a living.
Not only did he ban mobile phones from training, which shouldn't have been there in the first place, but he has said there will be no official World Cup song by the players. Glory be!
Capello is right to say players should be concentrating on football not singing. Don't worry, there'll be plenty of dross from those eager to cash in on the songs and drunks will be bellowing them out in the street.
n Four days after the last Test, England's cricketers were still moaning at the 'not out' decision which enabled South African captain Graeme Smith to score a century, apparently the defining moment of the game.
The incident suited England perfectly because there were 20 other defining moments, all of them England wickets. The fuss over third umpire Daryl Harper's inability to hear a clear snick, took attention from some dreadful batting which saw England shot out for 180 and 169.
No rotten umpiring, mostly just rank, bad shots against quality bowling. England are lucky to have drawn the series, having been outplayed in three of the four matches.
Mind you, it must be difficult being in the next room to Mr Harper if he's wanting to listen to the telly when he can't hear a noise, helped by special equipment.
n Batley Bulldogs' ex-players have postponed their annual night out at Shaw Cross this Friday because of the recent grim weather. Eddie Illingworth has been busy informing people the event has been put back to Friday, March 19, again at the Cross club.
There will be a supper of meat and potato pie and mushy peas and entertainment by local impressionist Tony Fletcher.
Jim Etty has revealed the time he was approached to join Wigan. A week after his sensational 100-yard try at Dewsbury – ask him if you have a few hours to spare – he had a blinder at Leigh, despite Batley being beaten.
He said: "It was one of those games when everything went right. Afterwards Wigan officials asked me if I would be interested in joining them. But I was 30 and didn't fancy all the upheaval."
No motorways in those days either but Jim must think he might have been organising a Wigan ex-players' do with Billy Boston, who also scored a long distance try or two.
