Nathan Patterson - to good to bad
Like a lot of people I'm starting to get my international mojo back again. It wasn't just the not qualifying that hurt, but some of the performances in that time, the lack of talent, some pretty horrible managers....its been hellish.
Now I genuinely believe we are on the way up, look at the young players who can't get in the team.....for the first time in a generation we have potential, starting to get excited.
But what if one of those you players breaks the rules? In this case a stupid wee laddie of 19 goes to a house party during a killer pandemic......I can see an argument for him just being young and inexperienced, naïve and easily pressured and therefore not deserving the same punishment as the other players, but being 'to good' to ban because Scotland might need him? That seems to be Gerrard's argument and it doesn't sit well at all.
Football has not covered itself in a lot of glory during the last year, Hearts and their court battles, players flying off to wherever they fancy, fans congregating in their thousands for protests/celebrations! We are very lucky the game wasn't shut down.
For me the bans are essential, it shows society that football takes COVID seriously, it sends a message that the rules apply to everyone. Nathan Patterson may very well be a top prospect and a future superstar but he is not above the law. I doubt it will ruin his career as Gerrard warns but even if it puts him back it is a deserved punishment....he's just lucky it was not a lot, lot worse.