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Every football fan who deems it suitable to utter vitriolic abuse at a match should be made to read Gary Speed's obituary.
This is not to suggest Speed took his own life because of anything said from the stands - the overwhelming outpouring of grief and emotion serves as proof the 42-year-old was a universally loved and respected individual.
Football is a tribal game with deep partisan passions that create ugly excesses but it also has an incredible capacity to cast aside such divide and mourn respectfully.
The sight of a Manchester United fan encouraged to display a shirt outside Leeds United's Elland Road stadium out of respect for Speed is an act unrepeatable at any other time.
Club loyalty is transcended on occasions such as this, especially given Speed's genial and affable character, his remarkably consistent playing career and humble attitude outside the game.
But why only in times of grief should football pay its due respects? Speed will be honoured by a minute's applause at each Premier League ground this weekend and thereafter, each match is likely to be blighted by disgusting chants aimed at players, managers and officials as they so often are from a brand of football 'supporter' whose backing for their own team spills over into hatred towards their opponent.
These fans are the ones who argue "I buy my ticket, so I can say what I like" and feel safe in the argument no abuse could ever breach an impenetrable shield created by fame and fortune.
But Speed's apparent suicide is a reminder that we are all human beings vulnerable to fallibilities of mind and body, even those blessed by achievement, wealth and distinction.
That so-called shield can be a cocoon. Time may present a more comprehensible picture but the fact those closest to Speed had no inkling of any inner turmoil is perhaps symptomatic of a man who felt his managerial urge to maintain control incompatible with the need to talk about his problems.
Fans are quick to pass judgement - as are columnists sometimes - on leading figures in the game, thinking exorbitant salaries insulate criticism. They don't.
Individuals are prone to self-doubt and fear of expectation regardless of income or notoriety. It is human nature.
It would be naive and utopian to demand supporters of both sides sit together in harmony but it is times like this that fans should remember those they idolise, abhor and everyone in between are no less human.
So often we are ignorant of the whole situation. Speed's death is unfathomable and the only hope is some good can come after the event.
It appears it already has. Five players are thought to have come forward asking for help, in dealing with depression, from Tony Adams's Sporting Chance Clinic in the wake of Speed's death.
Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore has revealed his own battle with depression and while Speed's family deny any such issues despite the manner of his death, the problem needs greater attention.
The German game made strides in this area after the death of Robert Enke, who killed himself two years ago after suffering from depression for years.
The Bundesliga now make a number of sports psychiatrists, operating externally from clubs, available to players to help those afraid to come forward and there is now a greater understanding of the issue in Germany.
Enke's friend, Ronald Reng, gave an account of the story in his book, A Life Too Short - The Tragedy of Robert Enke, and he has since said: "Through Robert's death there is in Germany a higher understanding that this is an illness and that people need help."
The same must happen here. Only last week, the Evening Standard reported a fresh drive to tackle suicide by the charity Calm (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
Suicide is the biggest cause of death among men aged 15-34 in London. It is thought young men are more afraid to speak out and discuss their feelings, at least in part because of a fear of relinquishing their masculinity.
There are not many more testosterone-fuelled environments than football, where any sign of weakness is pounced upon. It is a mindset that is changing in Germany and supporters must create a more accepting environment here by curbing the personal bile that can emanate from the stands.
Reflected against Speed's death, chants like the paedophilic remark at Arsene Wenger or one wishing death upon Emmanuel Adebayor appear even more the futile and reprehensible acts they are. Context is a wonderful thing.
You need Henry back, Wenger
Arsene Wenger could do worse than re-sign Thierry Henry on a short-term loan.
I recently asked Wenger about the possibility and the Gunners boss replied: "I haven't even thought about it", which seems unlikely given past form. Wenger has brought Jens Lehmann and Sol Campbell back to the club in the past two seasons to provide cover and experience to a young squad.
Experience may now be in greater supply after his summer dealings but cover is not, particularly in attack.
Robin van Persie's remarkable form continues to separate Arsenal from mediocrity but the Dutchman's supporting cast are yet to convince. Nicklas Bendtner has disappeared on loan while Marouane Chamakh will head for the African Cup of Nations in January, leaving Ju Young Park as Arsenal's only other recognised forward.
Henry's affection for the club remains strong as he trains at London Colney during the Major League Soccer off-season to maintain his fitness. Perhaps his ego may not sit comfortably with playing understudy to Van Persie but surely a Henrik Larsson-style deal would benefit everyone?
United stuck in the middle with Carrick
Michael Carrick has been made the butt of that old joke about a defensive midfielder being so economical in possession that he even passed his medical sideways but now the 30-year-old holds the key to Manchester United's forward thinking.
United's optimism over Tom Cleverley's ability to contribute this season underlines his potential and the dearth of alternatives in central midfield after their failure to land Wesley Sneijder in the summer.
Central midfield has, in fact, been United's problem position for some time, arguably since Roy Keane was unceremoniously released six years ago. Carrick was given the runaround by Barcelona - admittedly, there is no shame in that alone - in last season's Champions League Final in a repeat of the 2009 showpiece, reinforcing the view he could not impose himself on the biggest matches.
Sneijder's arrival would surely have signalled Carrick's departure but the impact of Cleverley's ankle injury has worsened with Anderson's enforced absence until February with a knee problem. Sir Alex Ferguson has ruled out a replacement so Carrick will take centre stage. Saturday's 1-1 draw against Newcastle suggests it is a test he is not guaranteed to pass.
Follow me on Twitter @JamesOlley
Reader views (2)
Football tribalism can be vicious but the sports media have to acknowledge their culpability in perpetuating this and placing intolerable pressure on many football professionals; with their often unbalanced and highly subjective reporting of games, vicious mockery of those who are struggling, and unrelenting witchhunts against targeted players and managers.
- Kat, London, 01/12/2011 02:27
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Whilst the events of Gary Speed's death are sad and have united football fans in a period of grief and respect, I find it a bit rich that a journalist criticizes football fans for the effect they may have without one reference to the Leveson Inquiry and the effect so called journalists activities have on ordinary members of the public. Alan Watson committed suicide following reports in papers about his murdered sister. Gary Flitcrots father committed suicide, his state of mind could well have been affected by newspaper reports. Charlotte Church's mum is alleged to have attempted suicide. What makes football the thrilling sport it is could be put down to the partisan support that creates the atmosphere. As a supporter of over 35 years, I would suggest there are very few chants of hatred, the vast majority being banter to try and get under your opponents skin,in a way, a backhanded compliment. Take that away and you will have a sterile sport which may suit hacks who don't pay for their tickets and probably have no allegience one way or another. And let's be honest, players, including Gary Speed, milked the adulation and atmosphere created by their fans, none more so than when they scored.
A poor article using the sad death of an individual to attack fans whilst turning a blind eye to the problems your own profession create.
- Drew, Burgess Hill, 30/11/2011 23:53
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