A RECENT correspondent remarked that Carlos Tevez should never again be allowed to don the club shirt of Manchester City (HAS, Oct 8), but I would suggest that recent events present football with the opportunity to make a long overdue stand against the corrupting effect of money and greed upon the game.

It has been obvious for some time that the outrageous riches heaped upon elite footballers has caused them to believe that they live in a world apart from their fans and they can largely behave as they please.

Some have even committed criminal acts, which ordinarily would lead to sacking for gross misconduct, but are indulged by their clubs as they represent an asset on the balance sheets.

Tevez, however, has committed the ultimate transgression by refusing to play once a game has started.

He should be sacked; the team’s backers have enough financial clout to withstand any legal action. FIFA should then impose a worldwide ban upon the player.

It may be one last chance for the game to prove that "the people’s game" has not been totally corrupted by money.

V J Connor, Bishop Auckland.