Griffiths’ sort of ‘banter’ can’t go on these days

Leigh Griffiths was wrong to take part in a sing-song mocking Hearts’ financial problems.

He should have realised by now that with the great salary paid by top clubs comes great responsibility.

However, I really don’t think it merits the Celtic striker being charged by the SFA.

What he did, apparently singing “Hearts are going bust”, was distasteful and bound to create further animosity between the player and the Jambos’ supporters.

His club dealt with things swiftly by issuing an apology and fining the player.

They obviously don’t want any dispute with another team.

Parkhead Chief Executive Peter Lawwell is on the main Board of the SFA and will be very anxious about his club being involved in this sort of affair.

That’s why I’m puzzled by the chiefs at Hampden feeling the need to add further fuel to the fire.

I’m not defending Griffiths, but a slap on the wrists and a fine seemed a more -than-adequate punishment.

I shudder to think what will happen if a player in Scotland does something seriously wrong.

The sort of “banter” Griffiths indulged in can’t go on these days because of mobile phones.

There are people out there desperate to catch out footballers and pop stars.

They take great glee in using the Internet to broadcast pictures and videos of well-known people in what are really private moments.

Back in my playing days, guys could get involved in all manner of scrapes without being found out.

We’re talking about young men who’re out for a drink and letting off a bit of steam.

Not everything they do will be the epitome of elegance and good taste and most football fans accept that.

We can go back to the Scotland players of past World Cups and the way some of them behaved.

Cricketer Freddie Flintoff’s boozy antics after the Ashes could have been viewed as just a bit of a laugh, but it wasn’t warmly welcomed by everyone.

I’m the last one to condemn somebody for making a mistake because I’ve had my moments!

I’ve gone over the top at times and missed radio shows as a result.

Maybe the way someone like Griffiths deals with pressure is by being a bit of a naughty boy.

We can only hope he grows out of it and learns to tackle stress in different ways.

I know how hard it can be not to react to people.

From time to time I get some really nasty stuff sent my way just because I express an opinion on a sporting issue.

What we don’t want to do is encourage footballers to completely retreat into their shell.

We have to promote the game and fans love to hear from their idols just as long as they leave the singing to the Pop Idols!