Sports Letter: Chelsea wrong to retain Rix

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