And it would be an opportunity for the powers that be to actually get something right for once, make an example of him, and ban him from the professional game for life. How many more chances are people going to give the cretin ?
First of all, the courts have already dealt with him. The reason why so many people on here were so against him was because he's already had a brush-in with the law for similar crimes. If this proves to be true, and from what the news is reporting it seems that it is, I really hope he does hard time. Despite his age I really believe that this could be the end of his career. A second offense in a different area shows that the guy is trouble and that he is acting on his own intentions. That being said, the courts don't have the power to ban him from the game, and frankly I would hope that he isn't banned from the game. Not because I like him as a player, but because people should play on merit, not on their background or their past crimes. If he comes back into football he'll probably find another club, because he is a talented footballer. If he is convicted I think he could see a long sentence, and the longer he's away from football the harder it'll be for him to get back into it.
Actually this gives rise to an interesting debate on a similar question - should players like Lee Hughes and Marlon King be able to play? One argument is that they served their time and if they were in a profession like a plumber they would be able to carry on. However, when you see Lee Hughes doing that goal celebration I wonder what the victim's family think - just does not feel right (rubbing their nose in it?) Thoughts?
Lee Hughes offence was murder (albeit possibly accidental, plus fleeing the scene) which is somewhat graver than the other offences being discussed on here, but point taken with his goal celebrations. If you were a member of the victims family, you are not going to be happy seeing him doing that and earning mega bucks to boot, although not so much these days
