Future of Sportsmanship in Football

The furore following France's World Cup playoff victory over Republic of Ireland has opened up the whole technology debate again. Thierry Henry controlled the ball with his hand, not once, but twice before crossing the ball for Gallas to score.

The referee came in for some criticism, but I believe there is another culprit.

After this shameful incident pundits and fans alike have been crying out for TV evidence to be introduced, much in the same way as American Football, Cricket, Rugby and even Tennis.

However I think everyone is missing the point. For too long Footballers have ducked responsibility. Footballers are always cheating during a game, whether diving for a penalty, making an injury look worse to get an opponent sent off, or handling the ball. Now this is not gamesmanship, it is pure 100% cheating.

The argument that because football is a billion dollar industry and is results orientated does not hold water. Tennis, Golf and Snooker all have million dollar prizes, but the competitors in such sports call fouls on themselves.

Football is a sport that has many young people viewing. Footballers have to be role models and conduct themselves appropriately on and off the park. They are well paid so they can surely see good behaviour during the game, and good behaviour when they are out in the town as occupational hazards.

The integrity of Football is at stake. Money and TV have seen Football sell its soul with sporting miracles, David and Goliath stories becoming fewer. In fact most football matches are rather dull. Over exposure is in danger of killing it off.

Football has to win over the next generation of fans who are used to playing XBox and PS3 rather than go out on a wet, muddy pitch.

But I firmly believe Football has to clean up it's act if it is to remain relevant for the 21st Century. The very least that should happen is that Thierry Henry and players who do what he did are given life bans. That would change the game overnight. It wouldn't be worth their while to cheat.