A week in sport is a long time, but over the last week we have seen a couple of newsworthy items that remind us why we play cricket.

First of all in the world of football we witnessed the foul mouthed tirade from the Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear to the press pack at St James’ Park. This unforgettable outburst has no place in civilised society never mind in a sporting arena. 52 swear words from a man in charge of one of the countries finest and oldest clubs.

Then last night I came home from work and I switched the TV on to take a look at Sky Sports News, and there on the Breaking News ticker was a dramatic story concerning cricket.

“Mark Ramprakash banned for two games following the use of crude language in match against Sussex”

Ramprakash questioned an umpires decision accompanied by crude language. Ramprakash apologised unreservedly immediately after the game and had already been disciplined by his County.

The difference in the two sports is amazing. Joe Kinnear has not even apologised and his sports governing body announced that they only deem it necessary to send him a letter to warn him of future conduct !

On the other hand, our game has standards and the cricketing community is still shocked by “Crude language”. Bravo, and long may cricket remain shocked at a single word rather than accepting 52 quick-fire indiscretions as part of the game.