It is time for that rarest of things, Salut! Sunderland beating its own drum and asking readers to apply their own percussive accompaniment.
From the Football Supporters’ Federation (FSF) comes news of its 2013 Writers Awards ceremony, in association with William Hill, which will take place on Monday December the Emirates stadium. Monsieur Salut feels able to proceed with what it could mean for this site on the firm understanding that Paul Danson will not be among the judges.
From Michael Brunskill, at the Football Supporters’ Federation, comes news of a useful initiative designed to find a sensible outcome to an emotive issue that divides supporters: the right to stand, or rather the lack of such right.
The FSF is to host a meeting next Tuesday (Feb 19) at the Isis pub, starting 6.30pm) “to discuss problems relating to standing at home matches”.
Importantly, the federation says SAFC officials will be present.
There are exceptions to the rule, central to the British approach to law, that everyone is innocent until proved guilty.
Countless generations of children would tell you parents and teachers have not always observed the principle. Even in courts of law, there is one glaring anomaly: newspapers, magazines, TV etc have to prove their innocence if sued for libel.
Now there is another category of exceptions: supporters of Sunderland football club suspected of being involved in violence in Newcastle while returning from the pre-season friendly at Hearts. Season tickets have been suspended, individuals removed from the crowd having gained admission to a match.