Hoddle gives Gazza all clear to light up the World Cup
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.PAUL GASCOIGNE, the footballer whose health and fitness have been a constant source of concern for England managers, was last night given permission to smoke his way through this summer's World Cup.
Until yesterday, Gascoigne's habit, now believed to be up to 20-a-day, had not attracted the attention of those other vices which earned him notoriety in the past such as wife-beating and excessive drinking.
Yesterday, however, Glenn Hoddle, the England coach, confirmed Gascoigne's nicotine habit. He said it was a private matter and that making Gascoigne give up for the tournament might have an adverse effect.
The response brought an angry reaction from anti- smoking groups. Smoking may help Gascoigne's battle to keep his weight down but few habits could be as harmful to his long-term fitness.
Gascoigne has long been indulged as a special talent but Hoddle suggested he may be losing patience when he said this week: "He is not out of the woods yet."
Clive Bates, the group director of the anti-smoking organisation Ash, criticised Gascoigne. "Gascoigne has basically given the green light to kids who'll say `If Gazza smokes, it's all right for me.'"
Gascoigne is following a long tradition of outstanding footballers who smoked, most of them in the days before the extent of its dangers was known. Of England's 1966 World Cup-winners, Bobby Moore, Jack and Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles all liked a puff, while Ray Wilson smoked a pipe.
Smokers' XI: Felix (Brazil), Moore (England), J Charlton (England), Wilson (England), R Charlton (England), Socrates (Brazil), Ardiles (Argentina), Gerson (Brazil), Cruyff (Holland), Law (Scotland), Ginola (France).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments