Luis Suarez: biting and what it says about our expectations in sport

We seem to allow more rope to people who possess extraordinary levels of talent. Where they're concerned, we're readier to forgive and forget, without necessarily insisting on a proven change of heart.

Public redemption should be available to anyone who seeks it – provided, that is, they're willing to change where they must, with the help and support of others.

We're similarly hyper-tolerant when it comes to showbiz celebrities – or at least the so-called A-List.

We indulge their numerous relationship infidelities, for example, in a way that we don't with others in public life, including politicians. Even at a more everyday level, we're less comfortable with people who behave badly in our own circle of friends and aquaintances.

We treat showbiz stars as if, in some way, they are above many of the normal rules of behaviour.

In so doing, perhaps we rob them of the opportunity to develop grit, forbearance and genuine respect for others – all key elements of positive character.

Perhaps we rob ourselves, too. Those we elevate become those we eventually emulate – heroes quickly become role models, whether we'll admit it or not.

If nothing else, it's important for our children to know that there doesn't have to be a trade-off between talent and character.

Canadian-born pop-star Justin Beiber had his first platinum album at the tender age of around 15 years. He clearly has a precocious talent, yet he's spent much of his young adult life trying to extract himself from one scrape after another.

Arguably if he hadn't been so talented, we the public might have called him to account long ago. We might have forced him to reconsider his lifestyle choices and address the need to develop as a fully-rounded human being.

At the moment, much of his career is focused not just on damage control, but on achieving a form of pop-redemption. It's sad that he needs to spend so much of his currency of talent on clawing back lost respect. I hope he makes it.

Back in the world of sport, it's probably true to say that David Beckham was no saint in his days at the top.