Amateur football spat - 'Resigning was the right thing to do'

They may not exactly condone what happened at the Tollcross Thistle v Broughton game, where an experienced referee feared a riot and after which Jason McCrindle quit as the latter's player-manager because he had spat in an opponent's face.

But they might point out that passionate, committed competitors sometimes do things in the heat of the moment that they later regret.

If they didn't fear being compared to disgraced TV pundits Andy Gray and Richard Keys, they may also insist "it's a man's game".

The basic point, that sport involves physical and sometimes verbal hard knocks, is a valid one. But there comes a time when a line must be drawn in the sand.

It is to Mr McCrindle's credit that he instantly recognised he had crossed that line. After his totally unacceptable behaviour, resigning was undoubtedly the right thing to do.

Spitting at another person is one of the most offensive of acts, whether on or off a sports field. Most players would far rather risk being injured by an over-the-top tackle than be subjected to such an offence.

That is why there was a clamour when Rangers signed serial spitter El Hadji Diouf, and why Dutch star Frank Rijkaard won't just be remembered for his formidable skills.

Diouf kept his cool - and his saliva to himself - during last week's episode of Scottish football's most high-profile fixture, but even then, some players, including Celtic skipper Scott Brown, let themselves down with provocative behaviour.

It may sound old-fashioned to talk about maintaining standards, but every player who steps on to a football pitch is setting an example to those watching, especially youngsters.

It is no excuse if some of those fans are themselves baying for blood, and the same principles apply whether it is an Old Firm showdown or an amateur cup tie against local rivals.