ONCE again we see referee errors tending to spoil the World Cup (and Premiership) football. Referees are only human and errors occur.

Is it asking too much for another referee in any match to use a video, and be in touch with the rest of the field, on any doubtful decisions? This technology is available, why the reluctance? - FM Atkinson, Shincliffe.

WHAT has happened to playing football? It used to be hand shakes. Now they run around kissing each other like school kids or nancy boys.

The England goalkeeper tried to back pedal a football from out of the net, after this he was kissed by the captain, who stated the goal was a fluke. What about Beckham's free kick, was it a fluke? Owen or any of the others could have taken it, but no, David Beckham had to have the honour. The English goalkeeper was the only one who told the truth.- A Pyle, Kelloe.

YOU cannot deny that England's footballers have a lot to learn to compete and win the top prize against the best teams in the world.

It was a good chance to win it, with the favourite teams going out in the early rounds. Our players looked drained, like a lot of other teams, luck ran out. End of fairytale. - N Tate, Darlington.

AS an ex-professional footballer and referee I am totally disillusioned with the World Cup. The favouritism to the Korean side has been a scandal.

Italy and Spain have been blatantly deprived of victory and I am sad to say it has ruined the competition.

As in football generally, referees' decisions can never be changed but the officials concerned should be subject to the severest scrutiny and asked to defend their total disregard for the laws of the game. - Hugh Pender, Darlington.

PETER MULLEN

I HAVE endured Peter Mullen's offensive and immoral rants for some time, however, his latest column (Echo, June 25) requires a response.

He misquotes Cherie Blair, and uses this to lead into another of his obnoxious tirades.

Cherie Blair did not say that: "It was sad that Palestinians have no other response but to commit suicide bombings." In fact she said that: "It was sad that Palestinians fell they have no other response."

I'm sure that you'll agree that this is quite different and is a sentiment that the vast majority of people would agree with.

I think that you should ask Peter Mullen to withdraw his comments, otherwise you will be guilty of misrepresentation.

Why you persist in having Peter Mullen as a columnist I fail to understand. He is totally unrepresentative of what I understand a Christian perspective to be, and of the Church of England. I see from your letters page that many other readers feel the same. - TA Bounds, Ingleby Barwick.

REGIONAL SUPPORT

THE Barnett Formula was, and still is, being used to buy off the march of the Scottish National Party, who remain a threat to Labour.

The formula was devised in absolute secrecy by the Labour Party in the late 1970s and was never placed on public record until a select committee elicited the information.

The then Labour Government did not reveal the "existence" of the formula despite its relevance to financing the differing regions of England, who were, unbeknown, being sold short.

Michael Portillo revised the formula to take into account Scotland's falling population and Gordon Brown's spending review, to his credit, has looked at the issue, but nothing drastic will change for at least three more years.

We may have logic and fairness on our side, but sorry lads, this is about being sold for votes. - Jim Tague, Chairman, Bishop Auckland Branch, Conservative Party

DOG FOULING

THE radio campaign, telling us that thousands of tons of dog mess are cleared from our streets, is laughable.

I'd like to know who weighs it. The council should be proactive in dealing with offenders.

Go to Willington Green at any time to witness owners allowing their dogs to foul the area, apparently totally oblivious to what is coming out of the dogs' rear ends.

There is one dog bin near the front of the road so owners who can't be bothered to pick up the mess will be even less inclined to walk to the one solitary bin.

Signs warning of fines are six feet up a lamp post and barely noticeable. Some deterrent.

When you contact the council regarding the mess you are told to find out who it is and let them know.

Get off your comfy seats and get out there for yourself. I am sure the money generated through fines would make the council tax more bearable.

Make an example of the offenders, rather than making idle threats and show that you are taking the problem seriously. A fellow poop-scooping owner. - F Rolfe, Crook.