SURELY after the success of the Rugby World Cup, those who prefer "the beautiful game" (football) must be asking themselves how 140,000 fans can gather for a "weekend of excellent behaviour and patience".

I very much doubt if the same will be said of the next Tyne and Wear Derby, despite a far smaller crowd.

There was no lack of passion among the rugby supporters and no lack of commitment by players, yet it all went ahead without violence and hatred.

Football really must answer this violence question and prevent the sport becoming a national disgrace, rather than a national sport.

Instead it will probably bury it's head again and continue to blame "a small minority".

These are normally so small that they outnumber the huge Police presence. If some of the millions paid to players and managers was spent sorting this out the rest of us would be very grateful.

Bill Bartle, Barnard Castle.