FOOTBALL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16606, 18 July 1914, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

Whon tho Football Association decided to oppose the proposed change in the off-side law, making it necessary for only two men instead of throe, as at present, to be in front of tho player with tho ball, they appeared to bo acting on the old-fashioned, but still often good, policy of letting well alone. Obviously, the suggested change would revolutionise the game, and, whilst it would lead to moro goals, and thus satisfy tho crowd, it is not easy to sco how it would improve football. The chief advantage would be to make the game simpler to follow, for this off-side law causes the bulk of bad decisions on tho part of referees, and confusion in the minds of spectators, who unfortunately have come to take a part in a match that was nover intended. The cry is always for goals, and tho best games iu a true football sense are often considered failures when goals are not scored. It is one of tho features of modern football, which is now a science as well as a pastime, that forwards have not kept pace with defenders in perfecting their respective duties. This is the reason for tho dearth of goals. Half-backs and backs have fashioned an astute and subtle form of defence most difficult to overcome. By their clever manccuvriug, they have turned the off-side law to their advantage. The " one back" game, as exploited by some teams, is baffling to forwards who do not use their wits to circumvent it. The proposal which comes from Scotland would simply mean the taking away of the advantage defenders have won"for themselves, and the making of matters easier for forwards for the sake of freer scoring. The matter has not been definitely settled, for it has yet to come beforo the Interaational Federation, but without the support of the powerful English body there is no prospect of the law being altered. The Football Association has been responsible not only for the birth, but the fostering of football on tho Continent. They have spent over £50,000 during the last few years in what may be called missionary work, and their eenerous help is still being given. English clubs, both amateur and professional, have also lent assistance, readily and willingly arranging tours in the hope of giving instruction as to tho way football should bo scientifically played. For some years past professional teams at tho close of tho English season have gone to the Continent and engaged in matches, uneven, of course, but in some ways interesting. And there has been a great uplifting of Continental football. The desire" to win on the part of some Continental enthusiasts has become so acute that the good sense of sportsmanship has been lost, and a most disgraceful attack is now reported to have been made on the London professional team, Tottenham Hotspur. They were playing at Prortzheinij in Germany, and not only had tbey to contend with the players, but afterwards were mobbed and maltreated by the crowd. During tho match the Tottenham captain protested against the brutality of their opponents, but the reply was, " You aro in Germany now, and we aro going to beat you." Tottenham won by four goals to none, and at the end thore was something like a riot, one of tho London players being kicked threo times and another being struck over the head with an umbrellathe Englishmen .had to.ficht their way to the dressing-room, and Mr 0. D. ttoberts. the chairman of the Tottenham Club, was robbed of 300 marks. It is not to be thought that the Football Association will tolerate this hooliganism which is unfortunately creeping into German footbnll. Tno matter is sure to bo reported and will bo dealt with in duo course by the International Federation.