David Walsh’s article (last week) outlining the unfair criticism of Nick Faldo’s Ryder Cup captaincy was right on the button. Having been at Vahalla, I noted that most European fans supported Faldo’s selections, something not reflected in the British press.

JH Cook, Dorset

The defining moment of the Ryder Cup’s final day was Hunter Mahan’s putt at the 17th. If that hadn’t gone in and Paul Casey had still won the 18th and therefore the match, the score after match 10 would have been 14-12 to the USA with the last two matches still on the course. Who knows what might have happened then? If Europe had halved the match and retained the cup, Faldo would have been a hero.

David Sinden, East Grinstead, West Sussex

Thank you, David Walsh, for writing the only accurate assessment of the Ryder Cup and Nick Faldo’s captaincy. His recognition of an inspired American performance, Ian Poulter’s selection and gutsy efforts from Graeme McDowell and Oliver Wilson all show Faldo is not the villain portrayed in the British media.

David Manley, via email

David Walsh resisted the temptation to join the ‘kick Faldo campaign’ and deserves credit for saying what many people feel.

Gareth Stafford, via email

The idea that Premier League footballers do not care about the grassroots, charity or community work (Stuart Barnes, Sept 21) is hugely wide of the mark. We do an extraordinary amount outside of the game – redistributing about £125m last season into community and charity projects – and far more percentage-wise against turnover than any other sport. This money was invested in projects that benefited 1.4 million people.

Tim Vine, head of PR, FA Premier League

Stuart Barnes does a disservice to the contribution made by the football industry, and footballers in particular, who make a genuine difference in society. During 2007-08, players across all 92 clubs continued to acknowledge their responsibilities and actively engage with the communities that support them, with almost 18,500 appearances linked to health, education, social inclusion and equalities. There are also an increasing number of Premier League and Football League stars who have set up their own charitable organisations in a media climate where the focus on top professional players tends to concentrate too often on their salaries.

John Hudson, head of community liaison, PFA

Stuart Barnes’ assertion that football is a selfish, ‘greedy’ sport is unfair and well wide of the mark. The FA and the Premier League, with the Government, fund the Football Foundation, which is responsible for distributing £45m each year directly into community sport, especially in the most deprived areas of the country. There is no other sport in this country that comes close to football’s contribution to communities.

Paul Thorogood, chief executive, the Football Foundation

When will the FA, Uefa and Fifa accept that football must move into the 21st century? The recent ‘ghost’ goal for Reading against Watford and last Saturday’s penalty fiasco involving Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo proves that technology should be aiding referees. Rather than spoiling the game, technology would enhance it, helping to cut out foul play.

Michael Kelly, head of PE, The Becket School, Nottingham

Rod Liddle writing (last week) that Newcastle should use ‘the disinterred corpse of Jackie Milburn’ as their next manager is disgusting and showed a lack of respect for Milburn’s family. Liddle has not an ounce of the humility and ability of Milburn. Shame on him.

Syd Johnson, Northumberland

Rod Liddle appears to have only one subject to write about: the demonising of Newcastle United. For the record, the fans are more realistic than he suggests. They do not expect to win the Premier League, only that the team play attractive football with some belief. It is time for Liddle to get off his hobbyhorse.

Jack Wilson, Kent

Newcastle supporters do not suffer from ‘barking psychosis’, we are just a bit miffed that after all the money we’ve thrown at the club over the years it seems to stumble from one crisis to the next, much to the entertainment of the media and commentators such as Rod Liddle.

Patrick Fagan, via email

Surely the Health and Safety bods should have intervened at last week’s Singapore Grand Prix and ensured that the cars used headlights?

Steve West, Cardiff

It is unjust that Kent’s cricketers have been relegated from the County Championship despite winning more games than Yorkshire, Sussex and Somerset. The time has come to abolish bonus points or to use them solely to separate teams on the same number of victories.

Anthony Roberts, via email

Assuming Seb Coe is already planning whatever extravaganza will precede the 2012 Olympics, may I suggest a cheap alternative? Let those taking part stand motionless in T-shirts signifying their country of origin, with Coe hoisted above them on a hydraulic lift, burning torch in hand.

Godfrey H Holmes, Chesterfield

It is bizarre that Stephen Jones (last week) chooses to highlight the attacking abilities of Charlie Hodgson when for two seasons Sale’s attack has been turgid.

Benjamin Saunders, Kent

Send your letters to: The Sports Editor The Sunday Times 1 Pennington Street London E98 1ST. email: sportletters@sunday-times.co.uk

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