The 'Keystone Cops' of the British system, seem to have goofed YET AGAIN.
On a minor matter - last week they insisted the Sunderland v Newcastle fixture be brought forward to 12 noon "because of the prospect of trouble".
When asked if the same would happen for the derby at St James' Park, they insisted the game would go ahead at 4pm ... because it was to be televised on Sky TV.
What the hell is THAT all about? What difference will that make?
Northumbria police have been busy this last week - drafting in 17 police forces from around the country - employing fighter planes and helicopters to track one man - at an estimated cost of FOUR MILLION POUNDS - when the man was actually walking around Rothbury!
Fugitive gunman Raoul Moat died on Saturday at the end of a 6-hour standoff against armed authorities.
It has yet to be confirmed if the officers shot 2 tasers at Moat before he shot himself with a shotgun, but that is the rumor and what people believe caused the gun to go off.
To start with, the Independent Police Complaints Commission was already investigating why police didn’t heed a warning that Moat was a threat to his ex-girlfriend.
The warning came as the gunman was being released from an 18-month sentence for assault. Because of this, Moat shot his ex, killed her new lover and then shot a police officer sitting in his patrol car, who is still in critical condition.
Now the Commission has more investigating on their hands. Commissioner Nicholas Long says that they are conducting a full investigation and will publish the results.
ANOTHER REPORT ON NU-MAD ...
Paul Gascoigne made a bizarre appearance in Rothbury with food, drink and warm clothing for gunman Moat on Friday.
The former England star said he had travelled from Newcastle to give Moat a "can of lager, some chicken, a mobile phone and something to keep warm.
"He is willing to give in now. I just want to give him some therapy and say 'come on Moaty, it's Gazza'.
"He is all right - simple as that and I am willing to help him. I have come all the way from Newcastle to Rothbury to find him, have a chat with him. I guarantee, Moaty, he won't shoot me. I am good friends with him."
Gazza's agent Kenny Shepherd: "He's doing what? I am sitting having an evening meal in Majorca. I'm speechless."
He had a jacket, dressing gown, KFC chicken, one can of lager and a fishing rod!
We all know the outcome ... but who knows ... perhaps Gazza COULD have saved him.