SO WHAT can we believe? The current investigation into spot-fixing in football is troubling to say the least.

For me, and I dare say for you, the very essence of sport is competition. Be it at the highest level or even when out on your morning run. To do the best you can on any given day.

When we buy a ticket for any sporting encounter, we hope that what we're seeing is genuine. Obviously we give the benefit of the doubt to anyone who may be involved in any spot-fixing or match-fixing investigation.

If though, anyone is found guilty, then surely the authorities have to come down hard.

You see it’s us, the paying public, who are being duped. We're also being treated disrespectfully.

The thought of someone deliberately throwing a game or getting themselves booked or sent off for money, drives a stake through the heart of sport's integrity.

Like drugs in athletics, cycling or any other sport you care to mention, it cannot be allowed. There should be no fudging the issue.

The recent case of spot-fixing involving the Pakistani cricketers is an example where the authorities came down hard and jail sentences were handed out.

As fans, spectators and paying punters, we have to believe sport is genuine competition, otherwise there's no point.

It was refreshing to see Maria Miller, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport get involved this week.

Obviously the government are taking it seriously. So should we all.