SOMERSET all-rounder Peter Trego has engaged in a Twitter spat with Stan Collymore after the former England striker criticised cricket and the coverage it receives.
A typically forthright Collymore began his venting on Tuesday evening, writing: "When a sport is more interesting in a broad sheet or radio commentary than on the actual playing surface, it's fair to say it's the Emperors new clothes of sport. Whatever anyone tells you."
He went on: "There's a reason the best sporting nations on the planet don't play cricket [...] It's because most of the time it's boring."
The former Aston Villa striker then developed his argument, questioning why primarily former colonies play the game.
Countries who win multiple titles in multiple sports! You’re not seriously going to argue that cricket is only played by former British colonies at any discernible level is anything but a sport that has virtually no true global value or interest whatsoever ? https://t.co/4AQTIRsIwM
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) January 23, 2018
He added: "Cricket gets a regular news bulletin and 16 broadsheet pages because of its historical rather than present day significance. If cricket had to earn it's headlines, it would get page 23 of the Yorkshire Post rather than "traditional summer sport" status on national broadcasters."
It wasn't long until Trego took umbrage with Collymore's comments, as seen in the various tweets below.
I’ve played against a number of countries you claim don’t play cricket, just because “Stan” doesn’t know doesn’t make it reality you clown.... stick to football!!
— Peter Trego (@tregs140) January 23, 2018
Gets under my skin how clowns with an envied media persona feel they can make outrageous and uneducated statements and think it’s ok.... fortunately the good folk see through the garbage!!
— Peter Trego (@tregs140) January 23, 2018
There are 5 divisions 4 of which is sure you know nothing about, with a large number of countries all doing there bit.... admittedly not all coining it on and making the headlines, but it’s still people reperesanting their nation at a sport!! Have some respect for them
— Peter Trego (@tregs140) January 23, 2018
Your using history going back hundreds of years to attack the very plate that you so happily ate from as a player..... your point may have had gravity if you’d have mentioned it while taking the sheets pal 👍🏽
— Peter Trego (@tregs140) January 23, 2018
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel