Not a lot tends to raise David Gold's hackles.
The Blues chairman is a mild-manered, equitable chap.
In business, he may well be ruthless and demanding. But with his Birmingham City hat on, he is even-minded and decent when dealing with, or speaking about, others.
But the 'pig in mud' affair has really got to him.
In fact, in the 15 years I have known him, I struggle to recall him as angry when we spoke.
Whether you think Gold is right or wrong, he believes General Charles Krulak has insulted him and then not had the decency to apologise, or at least show regret and humility.
I have seen the letter that General Krulak sent to Gold and I can understand why he hit out this week and took issue with the line from Randy Lerner and Villa that an apology had been made.
Gold didn't get where he is today by allowing himself to be patronised, patted on the head and told to move along now.
That's how he feels he's been treated.
He is aware that his comments about pricing at the same time it emerged that the top ticket was £45 for Sunday's game left him open to accusations of hypocricy.
Gold stressed that a 20 per cent reduction across the board in the Premier League should be agreed, but his club couldn't do it on their own, they needed everyone on board.
And he pointed out that the 'pig in mud' comment made by General Krulak on an Internet message board to his fawning acolytes was sparked by a false accusation that derby tickets were £55.
No matter. That won't wash with his critics.
The issue this week, in Gold's eyes, has been about common decency and respect.
Comments (1)
I find it interesting to note that all these Villa fans seem to be worshipping the ground General Krulak and Randy Lerner walk on.
And yet we are led to believe that they probably won't be at St Andrew's on Sunday - instead they'll be back home watching the Cleveland Browns.
Thus missing one of Villa's two biggest games of the season and their first taste of a Second City derby.
There's dedication for you.
Posted by Geoff | November 8, 2007 8:36 PM
Posted on November 8, 2007 20:36