There's no question that the Tevez saga has blackened the game. Or that football's rulers must tighten their self-regulation rules to prevent a stampede for the courtroom.

An attempted blackening of the Blades has followed from the argument of those who point out that the widespread legal ramifications threaten the game with anarchy and chaos.

But the question of blame is absolutely black and white:

West Ham lied about severing Tevez's third-party ownership and continued to play him illegally in avoiding relegation at the Blades' expense.

The Premier League failed to right the wrong even when they became aware of the Hammers' subtefuge.

If football in general and the Premiership in particular had stronger governance, the affair would never have hit the courts in the first place.

These are facts largely beyond dispute. Would West Ham have meekly accepted relegation if the roles had been reversed?

United's entitlement to compensation is an act of justice being done, regardless of the wider implications.

For light relief, these include suggestions that burger van vendors operating outside Bramall Lane might sue for reduced takings. . . and that freelance journalists could submit a claim for loss of earnings.

Only joking! But those involved in United's relegation have a serious point to ponder. For instance, former boss Neil Warnock is consulting the League Managers Association about sueing West Ham for damages, considering he lost his job and then spent five months out of work. And what of that story about players going to law? This turns out to have been overstated. Yet it has not been completely denied, while the club have distanced themselves from any legitimate independent action by members of their relegated squad. The big question is: Where will these possible claims end up? They are aimed at West Ham, but I suspect they could be redirected to Bramall Lane.

Legal soundings suggest that a hefty payment to the Blades - up to £30m - will be taken as full and final reparation from Upton Park. After that, it will be up to United how the cash is distributed.



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