NOW that John McEnroe is long gone, Wimbledon presents an annual picture to the watching world of a genteel sporting occasion highlighted by peace and harmony.

It's a scene graced by lords and ladies, decorated by afternoon tea and strawberries and cream, and graced by polite bouts of silence during rallies.

Not so in South America.

Chile and Argentina have just been severely punished for the mayhem at their Davis Cup tie which included spectators hurling chairs on to the court and Chilean fans pelting Argentinian Mariano Zabaleta and the umpire with various missiles such as bottles and fruit.

The International Tennis Federation, having ruled Chile's victory in the American Zone Group One tie stands, have decided that neither team will advance in the competition, essentially knocking Chile out.

And the ITF's Board of Directors have fined Chile £30,000 and ruled they cannot host another tie until 2003 for failing to ensure a safe venue.

Argentina have also been fined £16,000 for not complying with the referee's order to resume play.

Now that's what you call real sport, with a bit of passion.

What do we get at Wimbledon...polite applause and Cliff Richard singing when it rains.

Yuk.