Should he face a ban?

[anotheoldgit]

http://tinyurl.com/6gykkng

In view of the increasing numbers of Black on Black gang killings, was this idiot wise to have this photo taken?

Would it send a message to his young fans, that even though it was only an imitation gun, one should still be disciplined?

[andy-hughes]

Young people do stupid things - that's a fact of life.

Because a young footballer does a stupid thing - thanks to modern technology, his stupidity is there for the world to see, but that does not turn him into a negative role model, it simply amplifies his stupidity.

The approach should be to make the playerapologise publicly, with a speech about the risks of guns and the futility of gang culture - and fine him a month's wages and donate the money to a local youth service, again with publicity attatched.

But let's not get too carried away here - his behaviour was stupid and thoughtless, and he should be aware that as a sportsman, his behaviour is always open to misue and manipulation - but that is about education, not punishment.

Since no law has been broken, that's as far as things should go - i am sure the player will be more careful about being photographed in the future.