I AM a visitor from Norway who is currently spending time in the Rawtenstall area before returning home. During my stay I have been fortunate enough to spectate at a couple of local football matches and feel I must respond to the attitude shown by management and some parents.

These funny chaps manage to inject a certain levity into proceedings with their ripostes, witticism and bon mots. Although possibly open to misinterpretation, comments such as "he's a faggot", "break his effing legs", "he's soft, him" and "drop the b*****d" are clearly intended to be an ironic statement on the nature of the sporting struggle taking place on the field.

I urge readers to visit a local match and see this splendid example of English sportsmanship and fair play at first hand.

TORE HAUGLUND

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