Sports Letter: Chelsea wrong to retain Rix
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Writing as a Chelsea supporter who desperately wants to see his club win as many trophies as possible, I find the club's attitude over Graham Rix's conviction totally incomprehensible. I can only wonder if Chelsea's more than generous stance towards the disgraced coach would be so understanding if the girl in question had been Mr Bates' 15-year-old daughter. I think not.
Parents of apprentices and junior players at Chelsea FC should be sleeping uncomfortably at the thought of a registered sex offender possibly coming into contact with their children once he has served his time.
Bill Shankly's adage about "life and death" and football would seem totally out of sync with today's moral code. In fact I should imagine he is turning in his grave at some of the current so-called heroes.
So, come on Chelsea, "play up" and do the decent thing. Admit you made a mistake like your errant coach and put right the moral wrong you have committed to help football repair its tarnished image.
LUIS MELVILLE
Northolt,
Middlesex
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments