Last updated 12:29, Thursday, 17 April 2008

Some years ago I had a pal who was as mild-mannered and conservative in habits as it was possible to be – until he ventured on to the terraces at a football match whereupon the Mr Hyde side of his character spilled out into quite shocking displays of invective aimed at unfortunate players and referees.

Paul Huntington

Football has traditionally been the great release for the working man. Weekdays subjugated domestically and in the workplace. Saturday afternoons a chance to let all those frustrations fly free.

But there are times when fans take it too far. When their sense of perspective becomes warped.

Quite probably the “death threats” issued against Carlisle-born Leeds United player Paul Huntingdon after last Saturday’s game at Elland Road were no more serious than the inane ramblings of a bunch of immature juveniles.

But if it’s correct that the player’s phone number was circulating on the internet, then that’s taking it too far and those responsible should feel ashamed of themselves for such a gross over-reaction.

Huntingdon behaved like a total idiot with his gestures to Carlisle supporters. He’s said as much since.

But calm down dears, it’s only a football match, albeit one with important promotion ramifications.

I defend the right of free speech on the internet, even when comments go far beyond the bounds of what would be legally permissible in the columns of this newspaper.

But when it comes to threats, no matter how hollow in reality, and inciting people to send abusive phone calls and texts, that freedom goes too far. If you said these things in other walks of life you would have the police anti-terror unit surrounding your house in no time at all.

For some people football is a substitute for real life. They forget that it’s a game, albeit one awash with vast sums of money. Their views are all out of proportion with reality.

Paul Huntingdon may be his own worst enemy when it comes to attracting unbalanced dislike from fans in his home town.

But fans have got to show a bit of common sense and responsibility, too. Young Master Huntingdon and the fans who behaved so disproportionately both need to consider their conduct.

And remember that, while for many of us football is a huge part of our lives, it’s not the be all and end all of existence and there are far more serious things happening in the world than a parochial spat at a game.