Although it's no secret that, in recent times, I have become increasingly disenchanted with association football, up until now, my disapproval has been directed towards the players and their constant cheating. However, it has occurred to me that there are other elements within the game (it used to be a sport, remember) who are equally responsible.
The administrators, for example, despite their efforts to conceal the facts, have - with increasing and alarming regularity - been guilty of bribery and, equally disturbing, seem unwilling to take advantage of goal-line technology, or other modern features which are used in several sports (rugby, tennis, motor-racing, or cricket, for example) to address the aforementioned cheating and other issues.
More about that later, perhaps; but what concerns me, at the moment, are supporters - or fans, as they are sometimes called; and, in that respect, it's important, IMHO, to recognise that there is a difference between one and the other. For example - as was my own experience - where a person was born determined which team they support. In other words - to some extent - a supporter is chosen by his/her team.
The administrators, for example, despite their efforts to conceal the facts, have - with increasing and alarming regularity - been guilty of bribery and, equally disturbing, seem unwilling to take advantage of goal-line technology, or other modern features which are used in several sports (rugby, tennis, motor-racing, or cricket, for example) to address the aforementioned cheating and other issues.
More about that later, perhaps; but what concerns me, at the moment, are supporters - or fans, as they are sometimes called; and, in that respect, it's important, IMHO, to recognise that there is a difference between one and the other. For example - as was my own experience - where a person was born determined which team they support. In other words - to some extent - a supporter is chosen by his/her team.
James Nesbitt.
Generally speaking, however, fans choose who they support - irrespective of where they were born; and. since 'fan' is an abbreviation of the word 'fanatic', they are frequently far more fervent in the manner in which they express their 'support' than indigenous supporters.
As is the case with well-known supporter of Manchester United (see video), rather than enjoy the comfort afforded by the stands, they prefer to mix with others of their ilk in areas once referred to as pens. Since the Hillsborough disaster, these enclosures have also been fitted with seats; a somewhat pointless exercise (some might say) because very few in these areas actually sit during a match.
As is the case with well-known supporter of Manchester United (see video), rather than enjoy the comfort afforded by the stands, they prefer to mix with others of their ilk in areas once referred to as pens. Since the Hillsborough disaster, these enclosures have also been fitted with seats; a somewhat pointless exercise (some might say) because very few in these areas actually sit during a match.
"Have a nice day."
Putting that aside, however, what especially concerns me about (so-called) fans is that their behaviour is no better - and, often, a lot worse - than the players. Obscene gestures, sectarian or racist chanting, and foul language clearly intended to disturb players from the opposing side is commonplace these days - especially when corners or throw-ins are being taken.
Even women and young children can be seen acting no better than many of the drunken louts who surround them and I would venture to suggest that this - probably more than anything else - is what distinguishes soccer fans from almost all other sports; in particular rugby union, where - despite the fact that alcohol is freely available - supporters are usually good humoured and well-behaved.
Even women and young children can be seen acting no better than many of the drunken louts who surround them and I would venture to suggest that this - probably more than anything else - is what distinguishes soccer fans from almost all other sports; in particular rugby union, where - despite the fact that alcohol is freely available - supporters are usually good humoured and well-behaved.
