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Motoring and travel journalist, opinionated gob on a stick
Motoring

Children’s football, parents and morons

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What is it that turns normally sensible, rational and caring human beings into snarling, abusive monsters? 

If, like me, you have attended children’s football matches and watch the antics of the parents, you will know what I mean.

It’s not quite, but nearly as bad as the professional game, where you get knuckle draggers like the cretin who attacked Jack Grealish at the Birmingham City v Aston Villa game.

I am on my second stint now watching kids’ football. Now watching my grandchildren, male and female, after many years watching my two footballing sons and yes, my netballing daughter, and at a recent game saw a parent completely lose it.

The veins in the neck were throbbing, eyes bulging, face going puce, hurling insults at the ref and encouraging little Johnny to maim his opponent, permanently if possible. The dads were just as bad.

This is one area where there is no sexism, both genders behave like slavering pitbulls when their offspring are concerned. They believe there is no line they shouldn’t cross. I remember some moron, a well-heeled moron, saying he took exception to people telling his children off for misbehaving on a plane. “I’ve paid for their tickets, they can do what they like.”

Football authorities have been tearing their hair out over the behaviour and have introduced measures like moving spectators behind ropes and limiting the size of pitch and length of games.

But some people who are the first to condemn criminals, football hooligans or kids just because they are wearing hooded tops, think their borderline criminal behaviour is acceptable in the name of supporting family.

These hooligans are no better than the yobs who hurl seats at other fans in football matches and are a disgraceful role model for their offspring. Just like the football hooligans, they should be banned for life from any kind of football.

There’s a big difference between impassioned support and behaving like a thug.

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One of my rants provoked quite a bit of reaction. I was accused of being a second rate hack. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but some would say calling me second rate it a bit of a compliment.

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Travel

A hidden Majorcan gem

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Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas, Majorca 

Travel by Bill McCarthy

Majorca is famous for many things, including its beautiful sandy beaches and coastline, tennis superstar Rafa Nadal and, er, Love Island.

The stunning La Carossa resort in Majorca

Early morning view of the hotel and reception area 

The outdoor infinity pool is heated and has stunning views 

One of the luxury villas available

The relaxing sauna, spa and steam area within the hotel complex 

But there’s much more to it. The biggest of Spain’s Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, it also features sheltered coves, limestone mountains and Roman and Moorish remains. 

Like many Mediterranean islands Majorca has been colonised and conquered for centuries, from the Phoenicians in the eighth century the Romans, naturally, the Moors from North Africa and finally Spain. 

Since the 1950s tourism has transformed the island into a destination for foreign visitors, with booming tourist areas like Magaluf, Palma Nova and Alcudia. 

But there also hidden gems like the the brand new resort of La Carossa, an upmarket, spa, wellness and golf resort just a few miles inland at the north-east of the island. 

Majorca’s newest five-star hotel, The Carrossa Hotel Spa Villas opened last May, enjoys stunning views and is not far from the romantic town of Artà. 

Formerly a family home, obviously a huge one, the owners decided it was too big for one family so now it has been converted into an exclusive spa resort featuring, beauty treatments, saunas, steam room and two swimming pools. 

It sits on the brow of a hill in acres of grounds covered in astonishing magical groves of olive and almond trees, many stunted and twisted into weird shapes over centuries to look like something out of Lord of the Rings. 

Their produce, however, cannot be underestimated. 

Facilities at the resort include, massage and beauty-treatments, with high-end cosmetics, while wellbeing facilities include gym, with heated outdoor infinity pool and relaxation lounges, poolside bar and yoga activities, plus the indoor pool. 

The outdoor infinity pool is heated and has stunning views 

For fine dining there are two restaurants with a mixture of Mediterranean dishes and the choice of eating on the terraces with spectacular views of the surrounding hills and countryside. 

There is also a selection of assorted regional and Spanish premium wines for degustation sessions in the resort bodega 

Accommodation includes rooms in the main manor house itself and villas, while newly-built luxury suites offer tranquility and luxury living with a touch of privacy, all just a short walk from the main centre. 

The suites have private terraces and feature natural stone floors and bathroom fitments, with walk-in showers and air conditioning, with luxury fittings throughout. 

Situated just a few miles inland from the famous beaches and bathing at Cala Millor and Alcudia, it is also just down the road from where TV favourite Love Island is filmed. 

If you fancy a morning or afternoon shopping, the charming little town of Artà is just about four miles away with its weekly markets and cultural events 

Golfers have no fewer than four attractive 18-hole golf courses within reach in just 15 minutes drive, including Capdepera Golf, Canyamel Golf and Club de Golf Son Servera, where you might rub shoulders with owner and keen golfer Nadal. All also offer their own fine cuisine after a tiring day on the course, with Capadera offering excellent tapas. 

A little further afield you can find fine seafood dining while looking out over the Med at Restaurante Lago, at Son Serra de Marina. Among the varied menu is a sensational authentic seafood paella, certainly the best I have ever tasted, and all with a relaxed ambience. 

A hidden gem, unlikely to stay hidden for long. 

Travel facts

For more information visit carrossa.com 

Telephone: +43 4852-61122 M: +34 637-104680 

E: info@carrossa.com 

Most airlines offer flights to Palma from most airports in the UK