Your Letters
15:33 UK time, Tuesday, 25 January 2011
Re: Sexism, Sian Massey ran the line at Northampton Town a few years ago. For the uninitiated amongst PM's readers, the correct form is for home fans to jeer, boo, and swear profusely at every single offside decision irrespective of the accuracy of the call in order to intimidate. In this case the crowd, and in particular some of the older spectators, were clearly uncomfortable using the necessary colourful language to a lady. After about 30 minutes of her signalling every decision correctly, as well as keeping up with play, the crowd visibly relaxed and began calling her all the names under the sun. Some of insults were male gender specific, but the crowd seemed unwilling to change the habits of a lifetime. Sexism does not pervade every area of the game.
Richard Martin, Northants
It seems to me that Sian Massey and Karren Brady are better at their respective jobs that Andy Gray and Richard Keys. Someone should explain to the "broadcasters" the open mike rule.
Al, Wellington NZ
The thing about the offside rule, is that as a complete no-football-fan, I don't actually CARE what it is. Ok, so I'm also female; however I could have taken a good running guess at what it was and on reading the article, I see I wouldn't have been that far wrong - on the basics anyway.
Kay, London, UK
Why is football knowledge measured by the offside rule? Surely this is a trap. Anyone who says they understand the offside rule is exaggerating because it defies understanding. However women defy my understanding therefore only women can understand the offside rule.
John Airey
Offside rule in soccer? Pah! Child's play compared to the rules for Rugby Union!
Howard, London, UK
I thought the offside rule was: Right in the UK, left on the Continent. I'll get my car-coat.
Paul Greggor, London
Sue (Monday's letters), he must have also missed the sign forbidding horse play.
Peter Douglas, Brussels (formerly Edinburgh)
The 
