THERE were enough talking points at last Sunday's Carling Cup final to keep we columnists happy for weeks.
On the plus side a cracking game of football between Chelsea's largely senior professionals and Arsenal's young Gunners who, if they stick together, could be the team of the next decade.
And the magnificent response by the medical teams, particularly Arsenal physiotherapist Gary Lewin, in saving the life of John Terry who was within four minutes of dying from that sickening kick on the end of his chin.
On the debit side the shame of millionaire sportsmen who simply cannot control their emotions in the heat of battle and the subsequent bleatings about passion being understandable.
Do they not think there was passion in the past at cup finals which were enjoyed for the quality of football but never produced ugly scenes such as those witnessed at the Millennium Stadium?
Are they not aware that Ireland and England slugged out an international rugby match of phenomenal physical intensity without a murmur of discontent?
Nigel Winterburn, a survivor of many a skirmish in his days as an Arsenal and England full-back, summed it up succinctly when he said that he looked back on such incidents with embarrassment and wonderment.
He didn't condone what is becoming far too prevalent a scene in football but attempted to give an insight into why mass brawls occur.
He admitted the temptation to rush in to the support of a colleague who was being confronted while never considering the repercussions, was strong.
There are those who condemn Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger for going onto the pitch at Cardiff but I can understand why they became embroiled.
The sight of the manager advancing might just have dissuaded some of the more even-minded players to think again about involvement and I fancy even referee Howard Webb who, incidentally, handled the situation admirably, might have welcomed their intervention on this occasion as he attempted to restore peace.
To those who claim that money is behind this appalling behaviour in our national sport, I would pose the question, why do we rarely see these scenes replicated in other contact sports?
American football, basketball, both codes of rugby, Aussie Rules are all physically demanding and the leading exponents can earn fortunes but they seem to control their emotions far better than footballers.
There's a different mentality at large and until football puts it's house in order, the fans who are staying away in their droves, will become increasingly disenchanted.
