Well it seems we want to bend the rules for one thing and be hard and fast for another.

Im in the envious position of being 2nd generation Indian (both parents came to England in 196icon_cool.gif. Neither had a criminal conviction in India, neither has even amassed any points on their driving licences.
Both have been in full-time employment since 1968 and have paid every penny of tax asked of them.

They moved to Hull (at the time brave as they were 1 of 2 Asian families in the city) and now talk with more a Hull 'twang' than i ever did.

I have represented and captained England and GB hockey at all levels and represented this country with as much pride as the next person 'should'

YET i find myself agreeing with some BNP policies. I dont think we should allow foreign criminals into the country. I dont think a Somalian family should jump to the top of the housing list in Tower Hamlets over an English Family. I do think the Govt should work harder to create UK jobs for UK citizens, and i dont think people like Abu Hamza should use our own system against us, then preach to overthrow that system to become Sharia Law.

But some of these Rugby players tick the boxes the Govt have set-up.

Foreign - yes
Crminal - yes

Where is the line drawn? Colour of skin? Suitability to this culture?
if you want to createt the rules, then you got to stick to them

It may not attract you as much - but would you petition the Govt about a family coming from war-torn Eritrea who arent criminals? Or is this support suddenly being generated because they are Rugby players?

bad luck

I wouldnt say bad luck, id say that it makes sense!

When an illegal immigrant with no insurance, no tax, no driving licence and 3 times over the limit kills a British soldier who's served 2 tours - and then decides to go underground - then id be asking how the hell this guy used our system to continually appeal his deportation, yet does something like that!

In the context of this thread, a foreign criminal is still a foreign criminal.
Those rules cant be bent!

except you're talking about an illegal immigrant. Which has nothing to do with rugby league, where the current problems stem from new UK Border Agency regulations regarding visas and the points system etc.

Make your mind up. Not that I don't find your rambling delightful.

Yeah.....sorry.....realised i went on a ramble!

The context of Rugby league is that the new border laws have been set up to stop high risk individuals entering the country.

Non EU nationals with criminal records would fall into this category!

So what are the Home Office meant to do?
What makes Adam Crocker any different to a Somalian Pirate or Nicuraguan Cocaine smuggler.

They still tick all the same boxes!

If they stereotyped as well as you we wouldn't get any foreign nationals in at all.

Oh and by the way, viz this obession with Somalians: You try leading a normal, straight-and-narrow life when you live in a lawless, dirt-poor country gripped by civil war. Unfortunately there isn't a professional hockey league there in which they can all excel.

PENGUIN

I fully agree its wrong that people like Bird and Crocker are put in this category.
1 bar room brawl in Sydney or Brisbane and suddenly your career in a foreign country is in tatters.

I agree with the original poster - but im just playing Devils Advocate.

As it stands i cant go to America or Australia for work.
So can understand as i was once a pro hockey player.

Im just saying that people want this country to be tougher - but we must also accept the 'cons' that go with the 'pro's'

I fully agree. You can't have your cake and eat it as the old expression once said!! We can't have tough immigration laws to stop people taking the p*ss in the UK and expect them to allow players and those who exceed the threshold set out to come into the Uk.

Probably one of the more interesting post subjects on this forum for a while....not one person has complained about what the club "should be doing"....amazing!!

Personally we have enough talent and enthusiasm in this country to be world class.

i mean, those cyclists, swimmers and rowers appeared from nowhere!
But they were always there, they just needed the right management and facilities!

How badly do these players want it - im a Hull fan and ive seen talent wasted on numerous occasions.
Why, cos its easy, get paid a fortune, stay at home with your mates, be the big hard man in your town, women off your arm and not a guy man enough to touch you.

Yet become just another sportsmen (i.e. Australia) and they suddenly become great!

banned from the New Nations....just coz you played hockey

banned from working there.
Had a pro contract in Australia and a contract to coach at North Carolina.

REFUSED!!!!!

How exactly was it a dig at the muslim community, read it!!! it is actually compliments the muslim community in saying as a community they will stand up and voice there opinion!

Personally I think the FO are fully justified in refusing visa's, you commit the crime you pay the price, if you have an outstanding charge awaiting investigation and courts why on earth would we let em in!? Wait till the outcome, if they are subsiquently found not guilty then review the visa application

I do recall having to pay for a form from Scotland Yard sent to Oz when I became a permanent resident in Australia.

If I had a criminal record, I wouldn't have been allowed permanent residency.



I guess the subtle difference is that the League players are only temporary. Though you would get stopped at Immigration in Oz if you ticked the "Crim" box even on a holiday visa.

Just shows how things change. At one time a criminal record would have been a prime qualification for Australian residency

There may be trouble ahead, but now is the time to Unite and make a stance against Visa / Passport control - I have a plan, I need you help, which I hope will get some reaction.

Ten years ago, a crack commando unit was sent to prison by a military court for a crime they didn't commit. These men promptly escaped from a maximum security stockade to the Los Angeles underground. Today, still wanted by the government, they survive as soldiers of fortune. We now have a problem, if no one else can help, and if we can find them, maybe we can hire... The Homer-Team.

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