Sport should not get involved in taking the knee or wearing rainbow armbands

One of the reasons that sports, music and other entertainment enthrals us is that they provide an escape from the hard realities of everyday life. Whether as a spectator or participant, when we enter the venues of our choice we should be able to block out these challenges and frustrations and focus on the event or activity ahead of us.

However, this is proving to be increasingly difficult. Sports organisations and personalities are constantly posturing for political and social causes. With its worldwide audience, football is particularly prone to these distractions. Lighting the Wembley arch, taking the knee, the wearing of armbands or other symbolic adornments, displaying inappropriate flags or banners and commentators airing their prejudices. They are examples of an increasing trend which, if not controlled, might get further out of hand. These actions are clearly supported by some but are a source of extreme irritation to many others who I would guess form a very silent majority.

These public exhibitions tend to be highly and disproportionately selective and dangerously simplistic. They distract from the event itself. They are bound to create resentment and possible counter actions. The authorities should act. Enough is enough.

As this new season begins with the usual anticipation and excitement, there is also a second thorny subject which merits consideration – one that is particularly important to fans, highlighted at the weekend by the supporters of Newcastle United and Aston Villa. Together they strongly complained about the existing Premier League profitability and sustainability rules and the impact they were having on their clubs.

I am in total agreement with them. These fans are right to argue that, in effect, these rules are anti-competitive and prevent ambitious clubs who have the funding from accelerating their development and challenging the established ‘Big Six’.

The existing rules place restrictions on the quantum of wages that can be paid depending on the club’s income. Of course, it is important to have proper controls because nobody wants to see clubs get into trouble because of financial excess. But to deal with this equitably, what is needed are rules based upon cash-flow, proper long-term financing and sustainability. Those three elements are the key to getting us out of this mess.

A substantial club owner should be allowed to demonstrate it can increase spending via sustainable means. If a club can provide evidence that it is a solid, well-financed organisation, it must be allowed to reach for its ambitions.

This will enable aspiring clubs that are properly financed to accelerate their development and even to do what Manchester City have done in the recent past.

Unless these changes are made, it is extremely difficult for either smaller or larger clubs to challenge the establishment. This country cherishes its footballing fairy tales. Without reform, there can be no more against-the-odds breakthrough successes at the top of our Premier League. It is this issue – and not political posturing – that I dearly hope our footballing powerbrokers can focus on in the new season ahead.