Now then, grunger, tyke51 and other cricket fans, I hereby put my head above the parapet to mention Yorkshire County Cricket Club, involved essentially in an issue of language.
It is such a pity that the four-letter word beginning with P cannot even be mentioned here. Why should it be so different from affectionately calling other nationals Aussies, Brits etc.? I suppose there is too much evidence of it being used insultingly.
I see that the Australian Advertising Standards Board ruled in 2006 that Poms (for Englishmen) is not offensive.
I note also that Newcastle United, bought by Saudis, cannot have fans wearing Arab headgear, nor can Exeter Chiefs rugby union fans wear American Indian feathered head dress. Why can't both these gestures be seen as a mark of respect and, in the Newcastle example, gratitude?