Sports Letters: What's wrong with shoot-out
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: I don't think I will ever understand the attitude of football people to the penalty shoot-out.
After years of sterile football and inevitable falling crowds, the last two seasons or so have been a breath of fresh air. We have seen the re-emergence of great individual players, prolific goalscorers and wonderfully attractive club sides such as Manchester United and Newcastle. It can be no coincidence that the crowds are now flocking back. Added to that, the changes to the interpretation of the laws of the game produced what most people agree was the best World Cup since 1970.
Again, the most important factor in the success was excitement. So why on earth can't the penalty shoot-out be promoted as thrilling? Anyone who sampled the drama at Villa Park on Thursday knows the real meaning of excitement in sport. There is no ideal solution, but I'm also pretty certain that for excitement, nothing will beat the penalty shoot-out. Let's leave well alone and enjoy the game.
Yours sincerely,
CLIVE OSEMAN
Billesley, Birmingham
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments