Club Had No Choice But To Play Hardball
Newcastle Herald
Wednesday August 6, 2008
COLLINGWOOD's decision to stand down Alan Didak and Heath Shaw for the rest of the season is a costly, but nevertheless correct, outcome.
There is a public perception that Collingwood like to sweep their problems under the carpet and go out of their way to protect their players.The suspension is a step in the right direction, and hopefully it will send the right message to the players and public that this sort of behaviour won't be tolerated.Collingwood are a high-profile club, and that means the spotlight is never far away.Players are aware of this and need to be accountable for their actions.Collingwood are embarrassed, and they should be. The stain this incident has left on their brand is not one that will wash out easily, if at all.President Eddie McGuire's vigorous defence of his players on Tuesday has left him looking stupid.It is hard to believe the Magpies hierarchy could have the wool so easily pulled over their eyes and taken the players' version of events over numerous reports from the public and the media.With the Magpies' finals hopes in the balance, the loss of key playmakers like Didak and Shaw is a huge blow with only four home-and-away matches remaining.If Collingwood had chosen to let them continue to play, the club would no doubt benefit from their presence on the field. But the message it would have sent the players and the public could only bring further controversy to an already inflamed situation.Collingwood likely will miss the finals, and many fans will be livid, but for the future of the club, this is the only decision the Pies could make.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald
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