THE BISHOP of Ludlow has today called for a clean-up of bad language on the football pitch as World Cup fever continues to sweep the country.

Football stars have been accused by Bishop Alistair Magowan of setting a bad example and turning the air blue during matches.

Bishop Alistair has used his latest blog to air his views on the example set by leading footballers.

He said referees from all over the world were being educated on English swear words to help them identify bad language on the pitch.

And he believes that players have not always been the best role models in the past.

“On our televisions, even when we couldn’t hear the words, it was obvious without being good lip-readers that players’ expletives and less exemplary language were tolerated,” said Bishop Alistair.

“If anything this gave to the impressionable, a role model that indicated tacit approval to the idea that, if frustrated it was acceptable to momentarily turn the air blue.

Clean

“Clean play involves clean language and in the end clean language benefits everyone. I am sure a lot of ink will be spilt and air-time expended in comment before the final whistle.

“However, what interested me was the new attention being paid to the language used by players on the pitch. In the past, players language, especially at more stressful moments, has not always provided the best role-models

“What is clear for these games is that ‘foul’ now applies not simply to how players use their legs and arms, but also their mouths.”

Bishop Alistair added that if success for England were dependent on the number of banners and flags flying “then surely we would once again be World Cup winners.” He said: “Hopefully, this event will be a great international power for good; in what are now more austere times, something that cheers and entertains is to be encouraged.”

Meanwhile a new prayer has been introduced by the Church of England. Written like the previous World Cup Prayers, by the Bishop of Croyden Nick Baines, this one asks for a little more heavenly help for the England team.

By Sophie Bignall