Indonesia's 'Cantona' must receive severe punishment
DEAR PREMIER SOCCER, I write following the riot which took place at the Hong Kong Stadium on Sunday, September 29, during the match between South China and the Indonesian club side Mastrans Bandung Raya.
If the Asian Football Confederation do nothing about this incident they will look like a total joke in the eyes of the football world.
One player, the Indonesian No. 10 [Adjat Suradjat], was seen on television all over the world throwing a corner flag in javelin fashion into the crowd.
This deliberate, rash and totally reckless action must be severely punished as the No. 10 player showed himself to be nothing more than a vandal.
Had someone been killed or maimed, what else would have happened on that night? This action must be the most irresponsible I or many other spectators have ever witnessed at any football event anywhere.
If this player is not banned for life, or for at least one to two years, then the Asian Football Confederation will be seen as nothing more than a sham outfit.
If no action is taken, then young, up-and-coming football players will see this as acceptable behaviour.
If Eric Cantona can be banned for eight months for his brainless actions [in 'kung-fu' kicking a fan] then this No. 10 player must be banned for at least the same length of time.
David W. Andrews, Robinson Road, Mid-Levels.
While on holiday in Hong Kong from Australia, I have been following the debates on the golden goal and extra-time etc. in Premier Soccer and would like to add my views.
You suggest that a replay must be considered before resorting to penalties but I think, in this day and age, a replay is unfair to the fans because of the time and cost involved.
Most fans prefer to see a match settled on the day and one option is to carry on playing until a goal is scored.
As the match enters extra-time, teams would have to take off one player every 10 minutes, thereby creating more open play and scoring opportunities.
Unlike in a penalty shootout, the managers would be able to retain influence over the result by deciding which player to withdraw and when.
John Banks (Liverpool fan), Melbourne, Australia.
As an avid Derby County supporter, many thanks for once again treating us to another half-page report on the happenings at Nottingham Forest and more importantly, Jason Lee's new hairstyle.
Yes the 'mighty reds' are certainly setting the pace from the heady heights of 16th position.
How about a full-page spread on Frank Clark's moustache or maybe another page or two on Mark Crossley's Scottish/Irish/Welsh international future? Or . . . perhaps you could pay a little mote attention to another East Midlands team who deservedly warrant some coverage.
And I'm not talking about Leicester! Up the Rams! Damon Rose, Marina Cove, Sai Kung.
