Forget religion, Pope says "Play football".

[Gromit]

Pope Benedict XVI says football has a crucial role to play in teaching young people the important lessons of life - honesty, solidarity and fraternity.

The German-born pontiff is said to be a fan of Bavarian giants Bayern Munich.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/717975 7.stm

[Loosehead]

I agree with the sentiments but not the chosen game. Soccer is about the most dishonest game you can play. Essentially the aim is to cheat as much as possible and then intinidate the referee when you are caught.

Now I suggest His Holiness just inserts the word "Rugby" just before the word "Football" and he'll be spot on!

[Loosehead]

Newsdesk, what matches have you been watching?

In Rugby They do not:
- play act in order to get an opoonent booked/sent off
- Abuse the referee whenever a decision goes against them.
- pretend to be injured when clearly they have not been touched.

Tell me the last game when non of the above occured!

[anotheoldgit]

football is the most honourable sport there is.

Are you trying to wind us up Newsdesk?

The players are very bad role models for our young, they will cheat and misbehave on a regular basis.

It is no longer a sport only a money making business, where the clubs with the most cash rule.

And some supporters will cause mayhem and turn to violence given the opportunity.

[Gromit]

I disagree Newsdesk, Rugby is not a soft game.

Read this

[legend758duo]

Did he play it when he was in the hitler youth?Maybe we could bring them back too?Kind of like boy scouts really werent they ?

[Loosehead]

Nice one Gromit and who can forget JPR Williams having his face raked by an All Black and stitching his own face up and comming back on. Your average footballer would wet his pants if he split a fingernail.

Sorry Newsdesk, Football is a great sport unfortunately defiled by it's own participants.

There's is a huge amount of skill and courage in Rugby but I doubt a closed mind like yours would be able to take it in.

[fletcher.5]

Yes I also agree with Razza`s sentiments, however,football being a popular sport does not now contain any of the components, that he pontificates.
They have been taken away be the greedy authorities, who took Murdochs shilling in the 90s.
It is no longer affordable to the majority of the people for who it was designed for.
You watch it now, they may as well play the game in a playground,with the immature actions of the players.
Along with the dramatics of the managers/coaches, who are no better.

[fletcher.5]

what a load of tosh remember the world cup semi in 82, what were his emotions then?