Those commenting on the ongoing Sam Allardyce mediastorm have tended to fall into a couple of camps – those who were calling for the England manager to step down following allegations from a Telegraph investigation, and those urging caution for now.
Acting Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee chair Damian Collins has had his say, as did a whole host of sports and news journalists across the country before the national team boss ultimately left his role.
But there is a third argument – blame the press for doing as much as carrying out an investigation.
You’re probably wondering who has come up with this line of thought. A deliberately provocative talking head, perhaps, or someone with a horse in this particular race.
Wrong and wrong. It’s none other than Matt Dawson, former England rugby union scrum half and ‘Question of Sport’ captain.
That, ladies and gents, is why we'll never win football World Cup. Those #Samsting journos should be ashamed of themselves! #helpdonthinder
— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) September 27, 2016
Sam may have made mistakes but if journos cared so much they should've gone to FA first before publishing. Proved guilty throw the book…
— Matt Dawson (@matt9dawson) September 27, 2016
Suggesting the investigation signifies why England will never be World Cup winners at football, Dawson is willing to accept Allardyce may have made mistakes but questions the approach of the Telegraph journalists involved in the undercover operation.
The England manager left his post by mutual consent on Tuesday, following allegations that he advised journalists posing as representatives of an investment group on the ease with which they could bypass FA rules on third-party ownership of players.
However, Scott McGarvey, another named individual allegedly implicated, has issued a statement through a spokesperson.
Dawson’s comments on the matter have been met with scepticism from journalists and laymen alike.
Remember boys and girls, being a journalist is mostly about cheerleading, and never about asking questions…https://t.co/Z160fPhV35
— Jonny Singer (@Jonny_Singer) September 27, 2016
https://twitter.com/the_itch1980/status/780793601836154880
Like in Russia? Holding the powerful to account is one of the things this country is good at and should be celebrated.
— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesDM) September 27, 2016
Agreed, but Allardyce shouldn't be having those conversations with anyone, journos, businessmen, whoever.
— Andy Dakin (@groundhopper23) September 27, 2016
Though the debate was not entirely one-way.
totally agree, why do they keep doing this ?!
— Vicki Lawton (@WolfyTor74) September 27, 2016
agreed they should find another target. Unbelievable!!
— Darren Scott (@dazzerspazzer) September 27, 2016
