David Norris, the Ipswich Town footballer, started his football career on the muddy parks of Peterborough.

And since then he's done very well – although not well enough that even he could have imagined he would, for a few days at least, become the most talked about footballer in the land.

Sadly, it was for all the wrong reasons.

After scoring a goal he made his now infamous "handcuffs" gesture which has been widely interpreted as a message of support for his friend in prison Luke McCormick.

Former Plymouth goalkeeper McCormick was jailed after admitting drink-driving and causing the death by dangerous driving of two little boys.

After a media storm brew up, Norris apologised for his gesture and wrote a personal note to the grieving parents. It was the least he could do.

It's clear from his friends in Peterborough that Norris is no "big-time Charlie." He stays in touch with his old mates and even donated £350 to his former Sunday league team Lord Westwood.

But his gesture was symbolic of the endemic lack of respect in our national game. Lack of respect for referees, other players, and, now, for those two little boys.

When hooliganism cast a black shadow over this country, football folk were keen to emphasis it was "society's problem''.

And they were right. But this weekend, society was showing its respect like never before.

Norris didn't cause football's problems, he's not even the worst example of them. but he is a symptom.

Now he has to prove he is deserving of the support his friends in Peterborough have shown him. He has some bridges to build and so does football.

Norris, and the game in general should follow Posh's lead. When manager Darren Ferguson offered £2,500 on behalf of the club so orphaned teenagers Troy, Rory and Alice McCourt can pay for a proper funeral for their mum it too was a gesture of support. The only difference was, it was of the right sort.


X Factor reject Laura White is a great choice to switch on the city's Christmas lights. But no doubt the organisers are breathing a huge sigh of relief that the great British public loves an underdog and kept the frankly atrocious Daniel in for another week.

Otherwise the man who is to singing what I am to DIY would have been the city's star attraction on Saturday.

Daniel might be a nice guy and, yes, his wife died in tragic circumstances, but it's supposed to be a talent contest not the country's biggest ever group hug. Stop voting for him. NOW.


I'm A Celebrity...: Defend yourself, Tom