Look away now

Viewers of the golden penalty that decided the Euro 2000 semi-final between France and Portugal on Wednesday night may have been puzzled by reports of disgraceful goings-on on the pitch as Portuguese players questioned the linesman's and referee's call.

Viewers of the golden penalty that decided the Euro 2000 semi-final between France and Portugal on Wednesday night may have been puzzled by reports of disgraceful goings-on on the pitch as Portuguese players questioned the linesman's and referee's call.

While the cameras averted their gaze, as they now do when streakers strike, radio listeners were given a blow-by-blow account of the unsporting, five-minute protest by the Portuguese team and, most disgracefully, their coaching staff. Television viewers, on the other hand, had some difficulty working out what the delay was.

Has someone in a position of what is sometimes called responsibility worked out, at last, that there is a connection between disorder and violence on the field and incivility and thuggery off it?