The beautiful game is turning ugly

In the aftermath of deadline day in a week when transfer fees have exceeded ￡100s of millions and players wages have rocketed to over 300k a week, are me missing more relevant and pressing issues in the English game?

Football clubs and supporters in the National League rally to raise money to save their clubs, while Leicester City rebel Riyad Mahrez has spat his dummy out and handed in a transfer request after seeing his move to Man City collapse. 

The 26 year old who earns ￡100,000 a week missed several days of training and was left out of yesterdays 1-1 draw with Swansea. The disrespectful playmaker is rumoured to being depressed and stressed out.

The Algerian international has made the unforgivable mistake of being disloyal to the very people that wear his name on their shirts and sing his name loud and proud from the stands. 

His ego and greed have overtaken his responsibilities of being a teammate and a Leicester City player.

I have no doubt Mahrez wants to be part of the revolution at Man City, win trophies and make history - who wouldn’t?  I would also agree that he is worthy of the opportunity and riches being thrown about as he has earned it. 

It’s the way he has gone about it that leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth and will infuriate players and supporters like myself.  

Downing tools and being so called down won’t cut it with the football fan that works every hour under the sun to provide for their family.  Be disappointed but roll your sleeves up and do what’s right.  Get on with it, at least until the summer.

He now makes himself an undesirable teammate and casts doubt over his commitment to the cause. Will he be welcomed by hand shakes and high five's or will he be greeted by the bigger characters at the club with a vacant stare or honest hammering?

His attitude will be questioned and under intense scrutiny, every pass and attempt to track back or not will be highlighted and welcomed with boos from his once doting fans.

In the summer Liverpool favourite Philippe Coutinho was denied his dream move to Barcelona. He accepted the clubs decision not to sell until the price was right and the club was ready.

Despite personal disappointment the Brazilian showed character and a respect to his teammates and club. When the star left Anfield he left a hero and will no doubt always have a place in Liverpool hearts.

In stark contrast spare a thought for players in the National League who are not being paid and struggling to pay bills along with loyal supporters on the verge of loosing their football club. The same players who are not being paid by employers are 100% committed to their club, teammates and supporters despite not knowing when or if they will get paid again.

Hartlepool United is up for sale, National League leaders Macclesfield Town have been unable to pay players and staff, Dagenham and Redbridge have made all players available for transfer and Chester FC are in financial crisis. 

While making the 7-hour coach journey north from Eastleigh, we are reminded on the bus of how we are worlds apart from other professionals in the Premier League.

The news of Mahrez going AWOL in the same conversation of players and friends not being paid hits home and strike a chord. Players with families are the ones who will be stressed out because they might not be able to pay the bills or fill their car up.

A large percentage of players in The National League juggle two jobs, car share to save money, wash their own kit and bring their own food for away games.  The use of local leisure centres has become the norm due to waterlogged pitches but the spirit and the buzz remains high.

This past fortnight English football has fallen foul yet again to poor financial management only to be galvanised by the very people that make it possible for us professionals to do the job we love. 

It’s these passionate people fundraising and donating money that deserve the headlines and the money, not Riyad Mahrez.

Maybe Mahrez’s ￡200,000 fine can be donated to help save jobs and football clubs in the lower leagues or improve the 1000’s of football pitches that are deemed unplayable this time of year … unlikely I know but what a refreshing idea.

I fear that selfish individuals are starting to turn this beautiful game ugly!

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Stacky