Hard to swallow

YOU mightn't be aware of this, but the really big trial involving an English footballer charged with assault ended last week …

YOU mightn't be aware of this, but the really big trial involving an English footballer charged with assault ended last week with a somewhat surprising acquittal for the defendant. Amateur player Calvin Roger had managed to bite right through the nose of an opponent during a game, but, it seems, the jury believed him when he said "I panicked and I obviously caught his nose with my teeth". Well sure, it's happened us all. PS: The game in question was a friendly between two teachers' teams. No kiddin'.

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan

Mary Hannigan is a sports writer with The Irish Times