Development rule

that should have been handled with some common sense, none of Manukau’s goals came until after halftime.

So what was the rush again? To be unequivocally clear, Manukau United did not break any rules but if you think that makes it a non-issue, maybe jump on the blower and ask the club to update what they supposedly stand for.

From Manukau United’s Facebook page: ‘‘We inspire football everyday through the provision of quality grassroots community football to high level talent pathways, and influencing our sport to fulfil it’s potential and become truly inclusive.’’

Or try this from their website where the club promotes equity: ‘‘Manukau United Football Club is a partnership club representing South Auckland communities at the highest levels of NZ Football and providing grassroots community football promotion and engagement linking to talent pathways for juniors, youth and senior players.’’

To its credit New Zealand Football has found that

Manukau United acted outside the spirit of fair play and breached NZF’s code of conduct.

The club has been fined $500 for bringing the National League and NZF into disrepute and Mozr has been suspended for a game for breaching the code of conduct.

What is still needed though is a rule change to stop any further breaches. If they don’t act hard and fast, all credibility is lost when NZF starts talking about pathways for young players, much like Manukau United’s.