Letter: Have Penalties First

Published on: 12 Jul, 2021
Updated on: 12 Jul, 2021

From: David J King

Having watched snatches of the recent football matches, it strikes me that the game needs livening up.

The way that the ball is aimlessly passed back and forth, much of it in the team’s own half, is barely more interesting than watching a game of chess.

Here is my idea to inject more dynamism into the game.

Instead of playing 90 minutes, and a further 30, before the penalty shoot-out, why not start the match with the penalty shoot-out? This would mean that the team which lost the shoot-out would go all out, attacking to win the match, making a post-match shoot-out unnecessary. The winners would defend vigorously. In the event of a draw after 120 minutes, the shoot-out winners would of course win the match.

Responses to Letter: Have Penalties First

Jim Allen Reply

July 12, 2021 at 2:46 pm

Much better that the subject not included within topics on The Dragon in the first place. It has no place here in this sensible, rational publication.
Sara Tokunaga Reply

July 13, 2021 at 1:51 pm

Thank you Mr King for bringing a little light-heartedness into The Dragon NEWS.

For the record, I think it’s an excellent idea, and might even persuade me to watch football in the future.
Hannah Davis Reply

July 15, 2021 at 8:50 pm

I love this idea. That’s the “out of the box” (literally) thinking we all need. Bravo Mr King!

Editor’s comment: Wasn’t this actually “in the box” thinking?