Mboyo

In principle, we should attempt to reintegrate criminals into society after prison. However, in the case of footballers I confess that in my heart I think 'not at my club', and I've always been relieved we haven't taken anyone like Hughes or King. Perhaps hypocritical, but there you go.

In Mboyo's case there are a couple of factors that would make life as a footballer in this country very difficult on a practical level, never mind morally. Firstly, after such an awful crime he may not be allowed to move. Although he's an EU citizen, the right to free movement is not unconditional and member states can choose to refuse entry, which, particularly in such a high profile case, may well happen. Secondly, if he was allowed to move he would be put on the child sex offenders register (l would hope) which would limit his involvement (thankfully) in any kind of community work which is such a big part of a footballer's job, especially at Norwich. Everyone would know why this is the case and clearly no one would want their children anywhere him on match days. He'd be an outcast, appearing on the pitch but nowhere else. So I just don't see how he could make it here.

Posted By: King, Feb 3, 10:50:34