IN March 2013, Wales manager Chris Coleman appeared at the Merlin Theatre in Haverfordwest to hold a question and answer session on his experiences in the game.

Amongst his many stories was one of a particular Premiership match, where he was left with a broken nose after being involved in two physical altercations with an opposition player – the latter of which took place post match in the tunnel, away from the gaze of the officials.

Whilst the then Crystal Palace man was receiving treatment for his injury, the same player burst into the physio room, grabbed him by the arm, and aggressively said: “You and me to the bar for a pint - now.”

A bloodied Coleman duly joined his new nemesis, and the pair argued over a beer before ironing out their differences - and the scale of the incident never reached the public domain.

Of course, in modern times, such behaviour would soon become common knowledge and undoubtedly instigate mass hysteria amidst authorities, journalists, and social media users alike.

Some would argue justifiably so, but in light of the coverage and inevitable chaos that has surrounded the unveiling of the  Kevin Pietersen  and Roy Keane autobiographies this week, the story provides a stark reminder that there was a time when sporting problems could be sorted out face to face, or man to man.

Of course, the likes of Pietersen and Keane are not stupid, and both join a long list of sporting celebrities who have felt the need to bring out a second autobiography in order to ‘clarify’ certain matters.

In some cases their new claims may be entirely truthful and justified – although the fact that both books stunningly contradict their original versions is apparently irrelevant.

But most importantly of course – both contain the necessary slander and controversial material to ensure substantial sales and maximum publicity.

Seemingly, the notion that sportsmen and women write books to provide an interesting insight into their careers is dwindling – they are now used as vehicles to make millions and settle old scores.

The most ridiculous example in modern times was provided by Tyler Hamilton, a drug cheat who famously made more money from his book ‘The Secret Race’ than Olympic Gold medallist Nicole Cooke did during her whole career.

The book provided a devastating insight into the culture of bullying and cheating that plagued the peloton during his time as a cyclist – and ultimately led to the downfall of Hamilton’s former team mate, Lance Armstrong.

But the fact that Hamilton had numerous chances to come clean and expose the likes of Armstrong during his career has been all too quickly forgotten - and the brutal reality is a serial liar has now manipulated public perception so significantly that he is regarded as a courageous whistle blower and best-selling author.

And of course, for those not patient enough to wait for a book release to stir things up, there is Twitter.

Now, before I sound hypocritical, there is no bigger advocate of Twitter than me for promoting articles - and I regularly use my unofficial work account to provide links to my writing or score updates of local matches.

Furthermore, I recognise that the notion that sports stars can engage with the public and acknowledge support is an entirely positive one – and there is little wrong with users indulging in jokes or light hearted taunting.

But Twitter also has a dark side, and all too often, current professionals will use it to cheaply criticise their peers or instigate public spats.

Seeing the likes of Joey Barton and Dietmar Hamann go back and for at each other with petty insults can often be entertaining, but is also a sad reflection of current society – that leaves many wondering whether such views are fuelled by genuine beliefs or the need for mass attention.

Of course, the ever growing media coverage does not always help matters, and it doesn’t take long for a thoughtless tweet to be quoted and subsequently blown out of proportion in online articles.

And the problem is not confined to professionals or indeed football – with many local sports teams and individuals frequently using Twitter or Facebook to take digs at opponents after a contest, or complain vehemently about what they see as unfair treatment.

In some cases, you will see official club accounts instigate heated arguments amongst members and team mates – and these days, it is common practice for a player to complain via the internet before sorting out a dispute or problem in person.

 But it is a problem that is almost impossible to quell, and team managers who try and ban players from using social network sites are simply fighting an irrepressible tide.

And it all adds up to a sad state of affairs that means disputes and altercations can no longer be left on the field, in the dressing room, or in Coleman’s case, the bar.

Indeed, were Coleman to be involved in a similar incident nowadays, him and his opponent would be hauled in front of the Football Association, fined and banned by their clubs, condemned by anti-alcohol groups and finally, become the subject of photo shopped online images of a boxing fight.

But at least both would be able to write a book about it.