The comment about English fans is unfair and offensive.

In the past there has been trouble with hooligans, 70s and 80s mostly, but now the premier league has one of the best records with regard to "fan" violence and when was the last time there was trouble at an England game?

In addition English teams have been playing in Europe without major incident for years now and any small incidents that have occurred were caused by over zealous police or "fans" of other european clubs initiating trouble. Two teams in moscow recently without major incident.

In recent years Holland, Germany and Italian "fans" have caused far more problems at the national level and at club level the last big incident was caused by Scottish (Rangers) fans who always get a good press at major tournaments (if they qualify ; ) ) They are usually called "fun loving" which won't have been much comfort to those in Manchester.

Yes, I know it was a joke but you are perpetuating a false impression.

Lazy, lazy journalism - this article is full of stereotypes that are 20 years old. The English do more than any other country to stop hooligans and try telling the marketing companies, TV stations, and media that England not being there is a good thing.

One of the main reasons soccer will not make it in the US is because of journalists such as this who write about a sport which they know nothing about.