Cricket, corporal sentence and reality TV ban may deter another riot: Sir Ian Botham

Former England captain Sir Ian Botham has claimed that a combination of cricket, corporal punishment and a ban on reality television might help the UK prevent the kind of break down in law and order that occurred in the August riots.

The former all rounder said that he wants to see today’s youth being given the same combination of team sports and tough love that he feels made him successful.

“We desperately need to create an opportunity for youngsters to mingle, release and discipline themselves, play a game and also, make it national. The youth of today won’t get bored with cage cricket either �" this is when the problems start and carnage can set in as it did with the riots,” he told the Telegraph.

“The government can lie as much as they want, but half the playing fields are being sold off. I want to give these kids the opportunity to keep out of trouble.

Botham also revealed how he believes parents must be allowed to deploy corporal punishment, the cane should be used to restore order in schools, and police given respect.

“I believe in the cane. It didn’t do me any harm as a child at school. Bring it back. Youngsters today, need discipline, and to get off their backsides,” he said.

“Parents also have to take greater responsibility too. I am afraid, at the end of the day; most of it is down to them,” he added.