Who is popular today?

Sir, – It would seem that Kenny Shiels is confusing “emotional” women with those very highly paid male Premiership players whose antics every time they play seem to result in their having a problem staying on their feet (“Kenny Shiels apologises after controversial comment on player emotions”, Sport, April 13th).
Compare that to the Irish women’s soccer team, who for more than 90 minutes played outstanding football, both attacking and defending, and who not once lay writhing on the ground looking for attention! – Yours, etc,
MYRA HIGGINS,
Mount Merrion,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I see emotions were running high during the Atlético de Madrid v Man City Champions League game, even spilling over as the players made their way down the tunnel after the match.
I wonder would it have anything to do with the fact that neither team scored a goal, or are men just more emotional than women? – Yours, etc,
AIDAN RODDY,
Cabinteely,
Dublin 18.
Sir, – Congratulations to the Irish women’s soccer team on their excellent performance against Sweden. What a pleasure it was to watch soccer played in the sporting manner in which it was intended instead of the theatrical performances provided by their male counterparts who, when challenged in the most minor manner, fall down in pretended agony, rolling around the ground clutching some part of their anatomy in the hope that they will get one of their opponents sent off or at least get a yellow card and, if they do not get the desired result, surround the referee in a most threatening manner disputing his decision. It is high time that the soccer authorities dealt with this disgraceful conduct which is now rampant at all levels in the male game. These gentlemen have a lot to learn from the ladies on how to behave themselves on the pitch. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL O’CONNELL,
Listowel,
Co Kerry.