Whilst attempting to keep my duvet bone dry, it would concern me to bring my young lad to a match if he had awareness a player being previously sentenced for a violent offence, let alone offences. Everyone deserves forgiveness and he has served his time, but there has to be some recognition of public figure status. As a family of public servants, none of us can have a criminal record, to acknowledge the fact that service for the public good can’t be tainted by a criminal conviction, served or otherwise. I’ve always wondered (well, more like a fleeting shower thought), why the FA don’t mandate CRB checks for players, especially given the owners fit and proper test.
Of course, a footballer isn’t a nurse or firefighter, so obviously it isn’t a perfect comparison, but it does quash somewhat any indication that it shouldn’t impact their chosen profession once released. I’d be told to politely to sling my hook.
Thoughts?
Oh sorry - PS In Wilder We Trust etc.