WE are used to English football being in the dock.

Usually it is the behaviour of fans which plunges the national game into crisis.

The latest crises to confront football, however, are the product of some of its most senior players.

With police investigations ongoing, we do not wish to draw any conclusions about an alleged incident in a London hotel room ten days ago.

However, we do question the wisdom of any players who allow themselves to be embroiled in such situations.

Equally, we do not draw any conclusions from Rio Ferdinand's failure to turn up for a routine drugs test. We do wonder, however, how an instruction to turn up for a test at the appointed hour could slip his mind so easily.

There is a popular perception among the public that some professional football players think they are above the law, above the rules and regulations of football, and above the standards of behaviour expected of other people.

The activities of a few footballers do nothing to alter that perception, and tarnish the image of the vast majority of their fellow professionals.

Professional footballers are role models, watched by millions of people every week, and idolised by impressionable young people.

They may not seek to be role models or relish the responsibility. But they have the choice to sacrifice huge financial rewards in return for a life away from the spotlight. Without exception, they choose to have the riches rather than the anonymity.

If they themselves want a role model, they should look to Pele, who paid a visit to the North-East yesterday.

On and off the field, for the past 45 years he has graced the international scene as a peerless ambassador for his country, his sport and his profession.

He has retained the humility of a man eternally grateful for the opportunities afforded him because of his God-given talent to kick and run with a football.

Modern footballers should emulate Pele by reflecting on what football has given them.

In return, is it really too much to ask for a modicum of common sense, decency and responsibility?