Conduct of players at Cheltenham 'scandalous', says Ian Holloway
Friday 18 March 2016 08:21, UK
Ian Holloway has expressed his disbelief at the "scandalous" incident involving Football League players at this year's Cheltenham Festival
The world's top jockeys and trainers served up an afternoon of thrilling racing on day one of the historic festival, but that was overshadowed by photographs showing MK Dons midfielder Samir Carruthers urinating in a glass at the event.
Shrewsbury striker James Collins, currently on loan at Northampton, was subsequently pictured pouring liquid over the balcony he, Carruthers and Bristol City defender Luke Ayling were occupying in the course's Grandstand.
MK Dons have fined Carruthers two weeks' wages and suspended him from this weekend's Sky Bet Championship clash with Brighton - a punishment Dons manager Karl Robinson thinks is fair.
But Sky Sports' Football League expert Holloway believes the 22-year-old's behaviour could have warranted a more severe punishment.
"The whole situation was absolutely scandalous," Holloway said. "He clearly has no respect for anyone else or himself for that matter.
"I've got no patience for these sort of situations, you have to have discipline. I'd have like to have seen the FA get involved and perhaps issued a sanction of their own.
"What excuse does he have? There is no defending it. He illustrated a clear lack of understanding. Why would anyone think that would be funny? I don't get it."
Tuesday's incident sparked widespread condemnation from the football and racing communities.
Carruthers, Collins and Ayling issued swift apologies for their conduct, but Holloway fears their actions may have tarnished the image of football as a whole.
"I do not understand what on earth they were thinking," he added. "It showed a lack of respect and self-control.
"They were at the races representing their football clubs, and football in general. What does the racing community think of football now?
I've got no patience for these sort of situations, you have to have discipline. He clearly has no respect for anyone else or himself for that matter. There is no defending it.
"It's embarrassing for everyone connected with the game. All of those involved should be ashamed of themselves.
"If they blamed alcohol for their behaviour, then they shouldn't have drunk as much as they did. All you have to do is put yourself in the place of the people below."
