So much has been written said about the “unfair” booing of Ashley Cole that I have to say something about it myself. For a costly back pass, which could have been made by any defender on a bad day, Ashley got a backlash he won’t forget. At least I hope he does not. For a spoilt, deluded and utterly disrespectful individual I think he got what he deserved. The emphasis here is the “individual” and NOT the footballer as many people have got mixed up or just cannot see.

The way the manager and his colleagues leapt to his defence is understandable as they are protecting one of their own. But the way the rest of the media have reacted in his defence is utterly disgraceful. To defend an individual who is essentially a bad role model for any upcoming footballer is pathetic. Calling the boo-boys “disgraceful” shows an utter lack of respect for people who have an opinion and are ready to express it. As if that is something that the media is free to do but the man on the street is not.

He got what has been coming for a long time. His continued lack of respect for all things football be it clubs, players or officials is plain for all to see. His lack of grace in admitting to his failures and working on them shows no character whatsoever. I do not think his personal life has got anything to do with the booing, it is his attitude and lack of any kind of humility which evokes such fury. To say only Arsenal fans feel angered by his behaviour is a piece of short-sightedness reserved only for Fleet Street’s finest. The common man is far too intelligent to boo a player in an England shirt just for laughs.

Footballing talent cannot be used as an excuse for bad and uncultured behaviour. People might say he is the best left back in the world and can make a mistake and should not be booed for it. I say the booing is not for one bad back pass, it’s for the individual and what he stands for. So please do not deny supporters who pay a right to tell the tw*t what they really think he is. A pathetic individual, a good footballer, exceptionally bad role model. And while you have the chance to let him know it, give it with both barrels. That way the rest of the players know that their character is as important as their footballing talent, and mistakes might be forgiven only if you are graceful enough to admit to having committed them.