The season of goodwill? I don't think so. Happy New Year? I doubt it.
In the coming weeks John Terry, the England captain and Harry Redknapp, the England manager-elect, will both appear in court, Terry charged with a racism offense and Redknapp with tax evasion. Both have denied the charges but there could hardly be a more embarrassing end of 2011 for the Football Association.
On Tuesday, Liverpool's Luis Suarez was found guilty by the F.A. of misconduct . . . using insulting words, including a reference to the color of Manchester United's Patrice Evra. The Uruguayan was handed an eight-game suspension and a £40,000 fine, pending appeal.