Risk Assessment

In the 53rd minute of Manchester City’s game against Fulham, Alan Wiley booked Ben Thatcher and judging by the torrent of abuse the home side’s left back appeared to direct at one of the Premiership’s most experienced referees, reports that he is a reformed character who has learned his lesson after his sickening assault on Portsmouth’s Pedro Mendes earlier this season may be treated with considerable scepticism.

Many people continue to feel that there is something rather sinister about Thatcher – an inner rage which in certain circumstances he is not quite able to bring under control. Even now, there is more than a suspicion of some hidden agenda in many of his challenges – enough to sustain the fear that somewhere along the line, another professional footballer’s career may be in jeopardy.

Hopefully, Thatcher will be able to allay their fears. Because the alternative does not bear contemplation.