Not quite on the ball

Having read a number of highly eloquent articles and reports surrounding the 20th anniversary of the Hillsborough Disaster, and having also watched Jimmy McGovern's Hillsborough on Wednesday (the day of the memorial service at Anfield), I agree with the Liverpool Football Club's swift and unwavering decision to let Charles Itandje go after he laughed during the memorial service. It was highly unacceptable; his position is untenable. The same fans for whom he would play should he be kept on are the same people who have directly experienced loss because of the Disaster or know someone who has.

The Guardian's report is certain he will not play for the team again. But what I thought was this: is it not a shame that racist and homophobic behaviour is not similarly condemned and dealt with? This would be for the players as much as it would be for the fans, of course, since prejudice emanates from the spectators (though apparently homophobia does the rounds between the players as well). That said, who can doubt the wit of fans who wave a banner that reads: 'Torres: Turning Kopites gay since 2007'.