Other / Paul Moon / 12 April 2009 /

Paul Moon discusses the effect alcohol has had on the careers and lives of such stars as Paul McGrath, Ian Botham, Barry Ferguson and Andrew Flintoff and wonders why this problem only seems to plague Britain....

Sadly, Britain is immersed in a unique and endemic drinking culture that does not exist elsewhere. This problem almost appears genetic and spills over into our sport where drawing a line as to what is and isn't acceptable has been complicated.

The fact that British Sportsmen require random breath tests at training and are given assorted curfews sums up the lack of professionalism and dedication in their chosen sport. Without moral fibre and commitment, underachievement ensues.

Our Premier League currently harvests anti-social behaviour where many players abuse their status. Lamentably the general public reveres or excuses them, thus worsening the problem. There are more than 60 nationalities plying their trade in the Premiership yet it is invariably English players who are always involved in drink-related scandals off the pitch. This simply does not happen in France, Italy and Spain! Why is that?

It is important to differentiate the alcoholics from the riotous club drinkers from amongst today's footballers. Finding solace in a glass is to be pitied. Best, Greaves, Gascoigne, Adams and Paul McGrath had an illness and that is much different from the modern day Joey Barton-type. He doesn't suffer from the disease, he just likes drinking too much and ends up in trouble when he does.

After reading the harrowing story of Paul McGrath it was astonishing that he was allowed to train and play whilst drunk. Such was his ability that he could play on automatic pilot, made more amazing when his pace, strength and reading of the game were his fortes.

Despite eight operations on his knees he became the best footballer ever to play for the Republic of Ireland. Compare his 83 matches (eight goals) over 12 years for his country with the mollycoddled Ryan Giggs who played 64 matches (12 goals) over 16 years. Without his illness and defective knees what would McGrath have achieved? We'll never know but he could easily have been a player to have been mentioned in the same breath as a Maldini or a Bobby Moore.

Scottish football has long been a joke but I applaud the SFA and Rangers for their stance over Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor over the last couple of weeks. They took action against the two aforementioned imbeciles who decided that the best preparation for a vital World Cup Qualifier was to embark on an all-night (and most of the next day) drinking session. Participation in a Football World Cup is an honour and requires sacrifice; if you cannot hack it in terms of self-discipline then you have lost the right to be selected.

Everyone deserves a second chance and they had theirs! Both players can now concentrate on Rangers making up ground on Celtic for the boring Scottish Premiership, provided Walter Smith lets them back into the team, which is no certainty. Latest Betfair prices show: Celtic [1.51] Rangers [2.96] Hearts [500].

English cricket is not immune to the demon drink. Freddie Flintoff is proof of that. The public chuckle at his drunken antics whilst forgetting he had to be rescued after a boating mishap in St. Lucia in what has become known as the "Fredalo" affair. He has received multiple warnings but there are still indications that he hasn't completely given up the boozing. It's a difficult situation for the selectors: on the one hand he's a hugely influential figure in the dressing room who could have a negative effect on the younger players with his drinking antics. On the other hand he's England's best bowler by a country mile.

I believe he owes England cricket big-time so can he curb a drink long enough for England to win the Twenty20 World Cup? Betfair punters say maybe: India ([4.4]) Australia ([5.2]) South Africa ([5.8]) England ([10.0]) New Zealand ([10.5]) Pakistan ([11.0]) Sri Lanka ([11.5]) West Indies ([12.5])

Unlike his pretender, Sir Ian Botham owes English cricket nothing. His self-confessed drinking exploits are legendary but somehow he maintained his raw hunger for the game with a blood, sweat and tears approach, making it easier to forgive. More importantly, he also didn't allow his drinking to affect his performances. Mind you, I am not sure that would be accommodated in today's game however good you are.

Great news for his former county Somerset is that Justin Langer has rejected playing in the IPL to concentrate 100% on Somerset this season. This must improve their chances of winning Division 1. Current Betfair prices make it close: Durham ([5.0]) Nottinghamshire ([6.0]) Lancashire ([8.0]) Somerset ([8.0]) Sussex ([9.2]) Hampshire ([9.6]) Warwickshire ([12.0]) Yorkshire ([13.0]) Worcestershire ([13.5]).

Speaking to Marcus Trescothick earlier today, he told me that pre-season has gone well and that he is particularly excited about this season. He promised me tons of runs but conceded bowling sides out on the flat Taunton pitches will be the key. But then again, that's always been the case down there. I expect the cider boys to be in the mix and doubt if any other side will score more runs but whether they can be as prolific when it comes to taking wickets remains to be seen.

Most regular people agree that drinking is part and parcel of sport and the proper way forward is to enable people to make informed choices. But because this does not happen, then a contractual muzzling with deterrents must be put in place. I believe that it is a sad indictment of our times.

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: