WE expect a lot from our highly-paid sportsmen - and rightly so.

Parents have a right to expect role models for their children in return for the mega-bucks salaries these people command.

And they are understandably concerned when the actions and behaviour of footballers and their ilk lead to youngsters picking up bad, even dangerous, habits.

But are people right to show concern over a footballer's swallow-dive goal celebrations?

Shefki Kuqi's unique style of celebration marked the striker's first goals at Ewood Park during Blackburn Rovers' 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion at the weekend. It was the first time home fans had seen the 28-year-old's celebratory dive, and prompted fears that he might injure himself.

But he is a highly-tuned athlete who has practised the dive time and time again.

Is it really the case that youngsters trying to emulate his success will be swallow-diving in football matches across East Lancashire?

Especially as many school pupils play on tarmac or concrete.

Education bosses are perhaps right to mention the potential dangers.

But let's not take even more of the charisma and fun out of a game which has already been accused of being boring this season by banning such celebrations.