SIR - May I say first that I wholeheartedly commend referee Ray Shepherd (pictured) on his actions in stopping a football match after trouble arose on the touchline. Indeed I am unable to see why any rational individual would not do so.

The key to officiating successfully in any sport is the courage to make unpopular decisions. Having known Mr Shepherd for over ten years, I can relay that he is a hard-working man of great integrity, and with a passion for football at all levels.

I feel his stance, in the face of great abuse and intimidation, speaks volumes about his character and sense of right and wrong.

I'm sure Ray would agree with other real sports fans, that the mindless, ignorant few should not spoil any sport for the passionate, responsible majority.

However, a line has to be drawn, and in this case a point had to be made. Yes, amateur football needs more referees, but more importantly, men and women who are prepared to make tough decisions where others would falter.

Nick Murden, Stanhope Drive, Horsforth, Leeds.

SIR - Would readers like to waste £400 million on their "plastic"? Then support the mad idea of ID cards. I fought this one when we had a Tory Government, now I have to do battle against Labour.

It seems this is a civil servant agenda, not a political one.

First, other countries with ID cards have failed to remove terrorism. Indeed, the existence of fraud ID cards validates the existence of the user.

Second, who inputs the information on them? Of course, another person. People make mistakes and so incorrect information will be on the cards. If we also put DNA on them, you can bet it will be wrong. Look at the regular reports of hospitals mixing up people's tests, need I say more?

Third, it would have to be enforced that people must carry them at all times. Are we to fine those who don't because they forgot or lost it? Do we arrest or fine them and throw them into our overflowing jails? Then pay individuals the costs of unlawful arrest when they sue?

Personally, my view is that ID cards represent the odious hand of the State tightening its grip around our hard-won liberties. Never.

Councillor Robert Reynolds, Westminster Crescent, Clayton.

SIR - I'm at university in Cambridge, but keep close links with Bradford. The attacks in America have left me horrified, saddened. Yet at the same time I'm deeply disturbed at hearing reports of increasing popularity of bin Laden among the youth of the Muslim community in Bradford.

Should they not be condemning him for his outrageous use of Islam as the reason for his terrorism? Islam is not and never will be responsible for this terrible act.

Bin Laden stands against everything that the West represents, so in this respect, are the boys who say they want to join bin Laden ready to give up water, computers, cars, their designer gear, essentially all their home comforts?

Please see bin Laden for what he is, and not what he says he is.

Michelle Berridge, Mill Road, Cambridge.

SIR - I have just received a copy of the T&A dated September 14 from a friend and noted a letter from a Louise Eaton, obviously anti-American, who only remembers what part the US played in the two World Wars.

She forgets that America came to England's help when we (the English) welcomed them. They helped us win the war!

She refers to "Acts of Terror" in Hamburg and Dresden, but obviously she does not remember how the Germans bombed us. So many British people killed, maimed, limbs lost and gas attacks, fires, damage, "doodlebugs", etc, etc.

I lost my husband and nephew in the Second World War, and although I'm originally from Bradford, I was in London at the time, sleeping in the Underground and seeing death, damage, fires, fear, and devastation everywhere, caused by the Germans (probably some from Hamburg and Dresden).

Remember, Louise, the thousands of Jews cruelly killed, gassed - women and children.

Now, seeing the terrible acts of hijacking - over 7,000 unnecessary deaths - how can she criticise America?

When crimes are committed, the people responsible must be punished!

All the American people are united, which is more than I can say for Bradford!

Maureen Robinson, 14 Way NE, Marietta, GA 30065, USA.

SIR - Next year I will have been nursing for 40 years, both in Yorkshire but Guernsey, and I would love to get in touch with any former colleagues who might remember me.

I trained and worked at Leeds Road Fever Hospital (as it was known then) and the radio was constantly on Sunday nights on Ward Four (mainly mother and baby unit).

Sr Marquee was in charge and always sang along with the music. It was a lovely, lively hospital, with many a tale to tell.

Matron Miss McGuinness (alas deceased now) ruled with a rod of iron but they were good days. Dr Beech was resident doctor.

My name was Jacky Pearson (now Wilson) and I was there from 1961 to 1964. Mr Brown was our tutor. It would be nice to hear from anyone who worked with me in those happy times.

J Wilson, 96 Winterslow Road, Porton, Salis, SP4 OJ4.