Football FanCast columnist Jerome Johnstone feels that it is time that clubs accept that ‘tapping up' is just part of the game.

Tapping up of players is something that has been going on for years. Whether it is done through an elicit meeting, player orchestrated or openly within the media; it is something that will always continue and really something that the authorities can do little to stop.

It is fair to say that it has become more prevalent in the passing years and I believe that has a lot to do with the increase pressure that the modern day manager finds himself under; where the days of building a team are numbered and the need of instant results a necessity. No longer are coaches allowed to nurture players and allow them to grow, they need the finish product and will look to obtain him by any means possible.

I fully understand where Daniel Levy is coming from and felt he is right to report Liverpool and Manchester United to the Premier League. I have taken no great pleasure in seeing the actions of my club Liverpool and the underhand we have gone about our approach to both Villa and Spurs in search of their star players. It is certainly not the way we use to conduct business as a football club, but at the same time I really believe it is a case now that if you can't beat them then join them.

While Manchester United and Liverpool are bearing the brunt of much criticism, maybe they should remember that both these perpetrators have been victims of such underhand policy. When Harry Redknapp comes out and talks of his wish to sign Peter Crouch, his admiration for Shaun Wright-Phillips or would sign Spurs' Younes Kaboul if the price is right; very little is said - why is Harry is exempt from such criticism?

Both Liverpool and Manchester United can give you lists as long as your arm of players who have been illegally approached. When Manchester United rightly protested to FIFA about the way Real Madrid were courting Cristiano Ronaldo; it was merely dismissed as part of the game and that was a feeling that was echoed by UEFA President Michel Platini. If the main footballing authorities can see no wrong in it, then why should Sir Alex Ferguson or Rafa Benitez lose any sleep in making their transfer targets known?

While Spurs, Arsenal and Aston Villa's of this world can rightly feel aggrieved at the actions of certain football clubs, both here and in Europe, they now have to accept it is part of the game. Why I respect the fact that these football clubs continue to operate in a morally correct manner, the sad truth is that none of the football authorities give a damn and probably the worst that will happen with this Premier League complaint, is that the football clubs will just get a measly fine. The day's when the beautiful game had rules and moral guidelines ended years ago and that it is something that we just have to accept.