It's time that football takes a long, hard look at itself over some of the associations it has with sponsors and owners.
I can’t help thinking that an eight month ban for Ivan Toney over betting irregularities, when it seems half the clubs in the country have some form of gambling on their shirts, is just a tiny bit hypocritical. I guess it’s the same with owners. There’s a lot of hand-wringing over the money spent by certain clubs in this country, and across the continent, but no appetite - it seems - to do something about it.
I’m not just talking about Manchester City or Newcastle. There are plenty of clubs with dubious connections and similar questions about the money pumped into the club, but so far, nothing more than a few slaps on the wrist.
So I’m not overlooking any of that when I look beyond it, to individuals, and their brilliance. Pep Guardiola produced a masterclass against Real Madrid in midweek, and his players performed to the greatest heights I think we’ve seen from an English team.
Eddie Howe also deserves huge credit for what he has done at Newcastle. I don’t think it’s a foregone conclusion they will qualify for the Champions League, because Leicester are desperate, so anything can happen. But I said a few weeks ago I thought they had more than enough to get there, and I stick by that.
Look through the team, and yes, they’ve spent money, they’ve signed a couple of players that maybe wouldn’t be there but for the Saudi takeover. But look at Callum Wilson, for instance. He was available to all the Premier League teams when Bournemouth went down in 2020. Plenty could have taken him…and plenty now wish they did (and yeah, I’m looking at you Everton).
He wasn’t a world-beater then, but right now, he’s the in-form striker in the top flight, and a massive reason why they’re closing in on that top four place. Why? Well, he’s worked incredibly hard, he’s matured, and he’s developed under Eddie Howe and flourished in the environment the manager has put in place at Newcastle.
Should we dismiss what he’s achieved this season, because of the club he plays for? Should we dismiss what Howe has done for the same reason? I think we can recognise their achievements, while condemning the wider problems in football.
As someone who’s been in the game my entire life, I can recognise the hard work and talent, and I applaud that. I think Howe has produced a terrific team at St James’ Park, with a wonderful balance.
They are ferocious in defence, and equally fierce when they are attacking. And I think they will only get better. Getting into the Champions League will help that, as will the money it brings. And yep, so will the Saudi money.
But until the football authorities start to sort out their own house, and examine their relationship with money and power, then it seems punishing Ivan Toney will be the limit of their focus.
