Monday, 4 November 2013

Jonjo Shelvey let side down with gestures to crowd

Midfielders "swimaway" taunting of Cardiff crowd was unneeded and embarrassing


Seeing as I left the pub within minutes of the final whistle going, I'd managed to miss this until a little later in the night. Video footage of the ex-Charlton & Liverpool midfielder making gestures to the crowd after the final whistle was quickly doing the rounds on the internet, and in fairness most Swans fans seem to be in agreement that it was pretty unacceptable. There's talk of the FA punishing him - I think that'd be harsh but I don't set the rules.

I do think, however, that this display of immaturity from Shelvey marks him as a player who has some serious growing up to do. This derby has a history of serious crowd trouble, and the media were waiting, just waiting for something like this to happen, so well done Jonjo, you gave them what they wanted.

I suppose one argument could be that at least it stops the press talking about the poor nature of our performance, however why shouldn't they be talking about that? Considering how well the media seem to avoid talking about actual footballing matters it beggars belief we'd gift them a story like this which, the next time we play Cardiff, will be dug up again, exaggerated, and used as a tool to rile up fans ahead of the return derby. 

What's more - we bloody lost! How, in Jonjo's head, that qualified him to take the mick out of the Cardiff crowd I don't know, and only he knows what went through his head. 

Hopefully some of the senior players have already taken Shelvey to one side and explained his actions impressed no-one, and can't be replicated. He's shown he's got ability on the field, but it now appears he's got some growing up to do before he realises his full potential. 

Over to you Jonjo.