WHATEVER the cause of the dispute, no single issue should be allowed to jeopardise the future of Bristol's Downs League.

For it is something which is greater than the sum of its parts.

It is one of the oldest established football leagues in the city. It is one of the very few places in the entire country where all the games are played on one site at the same time.

It is a league in which thousands of weekend footballers have played down the years.

It is where sons have followed fathers and where lifetime friendships have been founded.

It seems incredible that we have reached a point where resignations are being threatened and where referees are reportedly refusing to officiate at certain games.

At the moment something which seemed to be such a permanent and enjoyable part of our city's life is being undermined.

Whether it is the fault of the system, of individuals or of a particular club is a matter of debate. But what is important is that a way is found to sort this out.

Regardless of where they stand on this issue surely no-one would want to see the Downs League fold.

So there has to be a compromise.

Perhaps the action taken against the Bengali Tigers was too extreme.

Maybe it should have been directed against certain players rather than the whole team.

Perhaps Gloucestershire Football Association should have respected the right of the Downs League committee to run its own affairs.

And that if a team had brought the league into disrepute resulting in police being called to a game then it should be expelled.

But surely the best solution is one which takes care of the interests of the many – and not just the few.