SO they reckon the FA Cup has lost its passion? Well, the events of the last few days have surely blown that theory to smithereens, even if football has once again ended up in the dock as a result.

First and foremost, let me start by condemning those mindless idiots Hell-bent on violence in the aftermath of Cardiff's sensational victory over Leeds on Sunday.

Those scenes at Ninian Park were a terrifying reminder of a past the game claimed had been buried forever -- images of marauding yobs intent on clashing with riot police.

The FA must act now and come down on the perpetrators like a ton of bricks because it's unacceptable that innocent people should fear for their safety simply by attending a football match.

Sunday should have been a day of celebration for Cardiff City after pulling off one of the biggest shocks in the club's history and for the vast majority of their fans that's what it was.

However, the actions of several hundred animals intent on trouble has not only tarnished their team's achievements on the pitch but dragged the club's name through the gutter once again.

But it's not just the hooligans who deserve to be chastised for their actions.

Cardiff owner Sam Hammam and David O'Leary also neglected their responsibilities in the heat of battle and deserve to be hauled over the coals as a result.

How can O'Leary demand impeccable levels of behaviour from Leeds fans on the one hand and then act like a raving lunatic himself?

Once the dust settled after his side's 2-1 defeat, the hot-headed Irishman admitted he had to be physically restrained during an angry confrontation with Hammam, so his behaviour on the day was no better than some of the swamp-life that call themselves Cardiff fans.

And what of Hammam? His walk around the pitch 10 minutes from time was a crazy display of touchline cheerleader which only served to add fuel to an already hostile situation.

Lessons must be learned from the whole sorry experience now if the game's not to slide back into the hands of those who seek to destroy it.

On the pitch, it was back to the good old days in many respects.

Staggering upsets, breathtaking comebacks, some amazing goals and Match of the Day back on 'the Beeb' all served to underline the fact the FA Cup has lost none of its magic.

Now it's the responsibility of the relevant authorities to ensure matters off the pitch don't overshadow that.