Sunday 26th February underlined why football is the national sport of our country. The day could have been presented as any other, three Premier League games, with one ‘super’ encounter between North London’s finest, along with a Cup Final that allegedly no-one takes any interest in. How they were all wrong. The day revolved around some fantastic matches, all producing their own little sub-plots and stories. I personally found it extremely tough to decide which of the games was the ‘match of the day’, because two of them ended up being huge contenders!
Personally, I am going to say the League Cup Final shaded it. 120 minutes of entertaining football was produced, with the result swinging both ways throughout. The penalty shoot-out that finally determined the winner itself was also unpredictable. All ten penalties were taken, and only five were scored, and of the five that were missed, only one required a save. What a save it was though – Tom Heaton is unlikely to produce a better one in his career, particularly as it was against such an established player, like Steven Gerrard. The Liverpool captain once again however demonstrated his inability to succeed from twelve yards when the pressure is really on. You had to feel for Cardiff at the end; in reflection of the game as a whole, they probably were second-best, but that was expected being a division lower than the five-time European champions. However, their endeavour, graft and underdog status made you believe that they deserved their chance in the penalty lottery. In fact, you could easily argue that they had the better chances to win it in normal time – firstly Ben Turner heading wide before Kenny Miller drove over the top at the death when he should have at the very least hit the target. It was a memorising game and showed how much the Cup does actually mean to clubs when they get far in to the competition. Silverware is silverware after all and the Merseysiders have now confirmed their appearance in Europe next year. Usually this would not matter too much but the fact Newcastle’s resurgence shows no sign of waning, there is a likelihood one of England’s ‘big’ clubs could be absent from all European competitions next year.
This leads up nicely on to the Premier League and the crazy North London derby that happened. For probably one of the first times in an extremely long time, Spurs were considered favourites going into the game, and after taking a 2-0 lead, it looked like their dominance over Arsenal was being truly underlined. What followed though came from nowhere and demonstrated you should not write off The Gunners just yet. Some are calling it one of the best Premier League comebacks ever. I tend to think this is a slight exaggeration. Yes it was unexpected, but Arsenal were on level terms by half-time and had hardly been performing poorly in the opening forty minutes of the match. What it could result in though is acting as the catalyst in turning Arsenal’s season around. It is now accepted by their fans that silverware once again won’t be entering the Emirates trophy cabinet but if they can have a surge towards the end of the season, guaranteeing Champions League football, then you would hope they can persuade Robin Van Persie to sign a new contract. Otherwise it’ll be another summer of trying to get the best price for their most talented player. The alternative argument to the side having an upsurge in form though (which would act as a complete role reversal to last season) is that it strengthens Arsene Wenger’s view that his squad is still competent enough to perform, subsequently leading to him not strengthening the clearly inferior squad he currently has at his disposal.
One man who certainly does not have an inferior squad compared to his rivals is Sir Alex Ferguson. His side are certainly not in any flourishing form at the moment, but they are continuing their knack of still securing wins. This weekend it was ensured through a veteran of the many sides that Sir Alex has had over the years. Ryan Giggs marked his 900th Manchester United appearance with a late winner and demonstrated how trusty and reliable he still is for the club. The match also contained a goal from Paul Scholes, who having returned from retirement is beginning to display the sort of form that makes you think his decision in the summer was somewhat premature. I imagine his return will certainly have made Giggs have serious thoughts as to when he will end his career as it is a certainty that it will be at United. Despite the tabloid and super-injunction fiasco that he was involved in which led to a slightly damaged reputation to his previous clean-cut, perfect image, the man still holds enormous respect throughout the game and is a player all clubs would have in a flash. His winner has ensured that the title race continues to remain neck-and-neck and in my opinion, is one that could go right down to the last day of the season, although the result of the second Manchester derby of the season will be massive in determining the champions.
I have not even mentioned the bouncebackability of Stoke against the fancy footballers of Swansea, and yet there is still tons more that could be spoken about from this special day of football. Goals, entertainment, winners and losers, they all contribute to the beautiful game. The game has its heroes, along with its villains and the fickleness of fans means a player can swing to the opposite side in no time at all. The adulation and despair that supporters feel; the hope for something special, again are all contributors to the game millions of us love to be a part of and follow. Just think what our lives would be like without football. I can only consider it to be worse. It is for all these reasons that I can sum up this post in three easy words: I love football.
Sunday 26 February 2012
Sunday 19 February 2012
Disgraceful, Pathetic Idiocy
The ills of British boxing came to the fore last night as David Haye and Dereck Chisora provided the headlines in Munich in the post-mach press conference of Chisora’s defeat to Vitali Klitschko. Chisora’s efforts were being widely acclaimed having taken the monstrous Ukrainian the distance in their fight; however, he managed to ruin his work in the ring with further pathetic behaviour off it. He was widely mocked and demonised after slapping Klitschko in the pre-fight weigh-in, but after the chaotic scenes that ensued in a packed press conference, that incident now comes across as insignificant. Crazy when you consider what a disrespectful act that it was.
Now I am not a huge follower of boxing, but I fully understand that these days the sport seems to be riddled with taunting and baiting in order to try and gain a psychological edge over your opponent. Yet it was these sorts of provocative comments that led to the aggressive, physical reactions that ensued late on in Munich. Now I understand the sport is all about pride, and holding your own, but there was not any comments made that significantly hampered Haye’s, Chisora’s or Klitschko’s reputation. There certainly were not any that justified the escalating fight, in which punches were thrown, camera tripods picked up, and glasses smashed. It was an embarrassing, shambolic display by two individuals who clearly must have some psychological issues that they need to deal with.
What makes the situation crazier is that the two saw the need to flare up in the middle of a press conference where the world’s media were all based. Everyone captured the scenes and the words that will land Chisora in particular, in some extremely hot water, potentially with the law. They disgraced themselves and with the technological means that are around today and the current rise of social networking, it was not long before the acts were being analysed and rightfully castigated globally. What frustrates me further is that these two men are both British, and were meant to be representing our country abroad. In the past, football has taken on an awful lot of criticism for the antics of some when visiting other countries, now exactly the same treatment should be dished out to these two disgraceful men. It is no wonder that neither of the Klitschko brothers want to fight another British fighter currently, when all they are subject to is such disrespectful behaviour. To me, to maintain your sense of pride, you need to gain and display respect, a trait neither of the scrappers have shown.
For Haye in particular, this event will have damning consequences. Ever since he lost his belts to Vitali’s brother Wladimir, Haye’s stature and respect seems to have waned further and further. In the lead-up to that bout, which eventually led to a brief retirement, Haye acted disrespectfully to his opponent and then after providing a complete no-show in one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory he offered a pathetic excuse of a broken toe. He has recently re-emerged from retirement, desperate to fight one of the Klitschko’s again, something that he is light-years away from achieving now. What he needs to do is shut up and live a life. A few years ago, I reckon many people will have described Haye as a top bloke, a sportsman at the top of his game. Nowadays he would be seen as a thug, who cannot cope with a bit of heckling. It is a sad demise for what was one of Britain’s best boxers of this century.
Chisora is also in a position now that makes you wonder how much longer his career as a boxer will last. Even before this fight he has previously acquired criminal convictions for physical assaults, as well as having a non-too impressive fighting record. Frank Warren must be crazy to try to promote and generate fights for this man, who is clearly a waiting time-bomb ready to explode. Although you could argue last night was that moment. But after having a punch-up with someone, what was Chisora thinking when he repeatedly screamed that he was going to kill and burn Haye?! The saying, “think before you speak” has never rung so true. To be so explicit in such an aggressive manner beggars belief and you have to wonder what good he thought he was gaining out of the whole affair. It is no surprise to hear he was arrested this morning before departing Munich.
I hope the pair of them are hung out to dry by the media, the governing bodies and the law. They deserve every punishment going. They brought shame upon their sport, their associates, as well as themselves. The sport of boxing does not need them. I hope it finally ends Haye’s aspirations to fight again as well, because there is no chance a Klitschko brother will go near him after the lack of respect they have been offered by their last few British opponents. Haye and Chisora need to realise that to be considered a somebody, you definitely do not act like a nobody. Which is precisely what they did. Note I have not spoken once about the bout in this post. It is now a complete side-story and non-event in comparison to the scenes that subsequently followed, and that is what will be pinned against Chisora from now on. The sport has suffered from these events, but not as much as what the effects will have on British boxing. Reputations have been severely tainted now and it is going to require some serious rebuilding of relationships if our fighters are going to be able to gain opportunities in the biggest fights the sport has to offer.
Now I am not a huge follower of boxing, but I fully understand that these days the sport seems to be riddled with taunting and baiting in order to try and gain a psychological edge over your opponent. Yet it was these sorts of provocative comments that led to the aggressive, physical reactions that ensued late on in Munich. Now I understand the sport is all about pride, and holding your own, but there was not any comments made that significantly hampered Haye’s, Chisora’s or Klitschko’s reputation. There certainly were not any that justified the escalating fight, in which punches were thrown, camera tripods picked up, and glasses smashed. It was an embarrassing, shambolic display by two individuals who clearly must have some psychological issues that they need to deal with.
What makes the situation crazier is that the two saw the need to flare up in the middle of a press conference where the world’s media were all based. Everyone captured the scenes and the words that will land Chisora in particular, in some extremely hot water, potentially with the law. They disgraced themselves and with the technological means that are around today and the current rise of social networking, it was not long before the acts were being analysed and rightfully castigated globally. What frustrates me further is that these two men are both British, and were meant to be representing our country abroad. In the past, football has taken on an awful lot of criticism for the antics of some when visiting other countries, now exactly the same treatment should be dished out to these two disgraceful men. It is no wonder that neither of the Klitschko brothers want to fight another British fighter currently, when all they are subject to is such disrespectful behaviour. To me, to maintain your sense of pride, you need to gain and display respect, a trait neither of the scrappers have shown.
For Haye in particular, this event will have damning consequences. Ever since he lost his belts to Vitali’s brother Wladimir, Haye’s stature and respect seems to have waned further and further. In the lead-up to that bout, which eventually led to a brief retirement, Haye acted disrespectfully to his opponent and then after providing a complete no-show in one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory he offered a pathetic excuse of a broken toe. He has recently re-emerged from retirement, desperate to fight one of the Klitschko’s again, something that he is light-years away from achieving now. What he needs to do is shut up and live a life. A few years ago, I reckon many people will have described Haye as a top bloke, a sportsman at the top of his game. Nowadays he would be seen as a thug, who cannot cope with a bit of heckling. It is a sad demise for what was one of Britain’s best boxers of this century.
Chisora is also in a position now that makes you wonder how much longer his career as a boxer will last. Even before this fight he has previously acquired criminal convictions for physical assaults, as well as having a non-too impressive fighting record. Frank Warren must be crazy to try to promote and generate fights for this man, who is clearly a waiting time-bomb ready to explode. Although you could argue last night was that moment. But after having a punch-up with someone, what was Chisora thinking when he repeatedly screamed that he was going to kill and burn Haye?! The saying, “think before you speak” has never rung so true. To be so explicit in such an aggressive manner beggars belief and you have to wonder what good he thought he was gaining out of the whole affair. It is no surprise to hear he was arrested this morning before departing Munich.
I hope the pair of them are hung out to dry by the media, the governing bodies and the law. They deserve every punishment going. They brought shame upon their sport, their associates, as well as themselves. The sport of boxing does not need them. I hope it finally ends Haye’s aspirations to fight again as well, because there is no chance a Klitschko brother will go near him after the lack of respect they have been offered by their last few British opponents. Haye and Chisora need to realise that to be considered a somebody, you definitely do not act like a nobody. Which is precisely what they did. Note I have not spoken once about the bout in this post. It is now a complete side-story and non-event in comparison to the scenes that subsequently followed, and that is what will be pinned against Chisora from now on. The sport has suffered from these events, but not as much as what the effects will have on British boxing. Reputations have been severely tainted now and it is going to require some serious rebuilding of relationships if our fighters are going to be able to gain opportunities in the biggest fights the sport has to offer.
Thursday 16 February 2012
One Comment Leads To One Managerial Vacancy
A rather late post this week. Unfortunately personal circumstances and a busy life have prevented me finding the time to provide some sporting opinion. So shall we rewind our mind’s back a week or so? You may remember (if not you can find the quote) in my last post I mentioned how John Terry losing the England captaincy could have been a topic of discussion. Well after the events of last week, it is now an even more key part to the current storyline revolving the England team as Terry’s alleged racial slur has now contrived in the departure of the England manager, Fabio Capello, just months ahead of a major international tournament.
What we must remember is that Terry has yet to be deemed guilty of racist behaviour, and we British, in the main live by the motto, “innocent until proven guilty”. This is also the stance Capello follows, and the FA’s decision to go above him and strip him of the captaincy before the court judgement clearly irked the Italian substantially enough to cause his resignation. This is quite understandable when you consider Capello lost his authority, or it was at least deemed unnecessary to ascertain, on an issue the vast majority of individuals consider the manager to be the sole decision-maker of. Doing so whilst also breaking his moral standpoint obviously led Capello feeling that he lacked support from his bosses at Wembley.
Now I totally agree that Terry is hardly the most moral individual in the world, and his past misdemeanours have made him subject to disgust from football supporters in the past. But surely he is entitled to the same treatment as every member of the public? This viewpoint can be emphasised further when you remember that the player who received the alleged racist comment, Anton Ferdinand, did not even make the claim that has led to the subsequent prosecution. It was actually a member of the public who reported it to the police. Now does this information make Terry potentially more innocent? Or should some questions be asked of Ferdinand and why he did not report it to help us stamp racism out of the game for good?
However, serious questions need to be held at the justice system who have delayed the hearing of this case to a much later date than any other Tom, Dick or Harry would have been permitted. It is ludicrous, and hard to fathom their reasoning for it. It has guaranteed that England enter Euro 2012 with further concerns and scandals surrounding the side, although it happens so regularly now that the players must be accustomed to a disruptive preparation period in the lead-up to a tournament. At least this time it is not accompanied with exaggerated and blinded belief that we are one of the favourites to win the competition! In fact, with a new manager only just entering the fray, and the lesser pressure the team will face from the fans and media, it may provide a feeling of optimism and freedom amongst the squad, leading to them performing at a higher level and going further in the competition than expected. Who knows...
What we do know is that the FA is now compiling a shortlist for the manager’s position. I would throw my hat in to the ring; however I don’t think Football Manager accomplishments along with my minor achievements at youth and university level will gain many admirers! Obviously Stuart Pearce is caretaker until a permanent successor is found, but at what point that will be I am unsure. I think had it not been for the inclusion of Team GB in the Olympic football competition this year the FA may have given Pearce the chance to shine at Euro 2012. His commitments to the Team GB role though make that proposition now hugely unlikely. The fact the FA are not acting super-quick also suggests they want a new man in charge for the European Championships, one who is not the current caretaker. Subsequently, you look instantly look at managers who are already attached to a job. The first name then that everyone is spouting off and who is the clear bookies favourite is Harry Redknapp. The current Tottenham Hotspur gaffer took over with the side bottom of the Premier League, and nowadays they are title contenders and have made their Champions League bow during his tenure. His side play a brand of fast, attractive, attacking football, whilst Redknapp is primarily renowned for his man-management abilities; obviously an important characteristic when dealing with the high profiles and potentially inflated ego’s of the senior England footballers. But he is highly unlikely to leave Spurs at this stage of the season when he is on course to take them to their best league finish since 1989/90 where they finished 3rd.
But the FA has been known to make some crazy decisions in the past and not always followed public opinion. So do not dismiss Roy Hodgson, Alan Pardew or Guus Hiddink. Hiddink is an interesting choice to me and I am surprised his name has not been mentioned more frequently since Capello’s resignation. Practically every job he has ever held he has succeeded in, especially at international level – just ask supporters of Russia, Australia and South Korea! He proved to be a popular manager during his brief stint at Chelsea and has the respect of the media, as well as being currently unemployed. He speaks English extremely well and appears to always make his players raise their game and achieve greater things than the expectations bestowed upon them. The only reason he does not appear to be gaining any attention is because he is not English. Now I too am an advocate of having an English manager leading the England team but let’s just remember how much of a failure our last English manager was. Yes, our two foreign managers haven’t set the world alight, but they’ve done just as well as numerous other managers who held the role before them. In fact, Capello has the best win percentage of any previous England manager!
So one comment has caused a chain reaction of events; one which has culminated in our national game needing to find someone new to lead the country into this summer’s major international tournament. Will the FA make the right decision this time? Will a new manager incite anything more out of our alleged superstar players? Will he get the side to a level that can compete with the likes of Spain, Germany and the Netherlands? The decision is vital, not necessarily for the European Championships (which I still believe we should go for and not just give up on) but for the World Cup in 2014, integrating the new generation of players as well as building the work of St George’s Park in its early years, the site intended to be the hub and promise of all of English football from now on.
What we must remember is that Terry has yet to be deemed guilty of racist behaviour, and we British, in the main live by the motto, “innocent until proven guilty”. This is also the stance Capello follows, and the FA’s decision to go above him and strip him of the captaincy before the court judgement clearly irked the Italian substantially enough to cause his resignation. This is quite understandable when you consider Capello lost his authority, or it was at least deemed unnecessary to ascertain, on an issue the vast majority of individuals consider the manager to be the sole decision-maker of. Doing so whilst also breaking his moral standpoint obviously led Capello feeling that he lacked support from his bosses at Wembley.
Now I totally agree that Terry is hardly the most moral individual in the world, and his past misdemeanours have made him subject to disgust from football supporters in the past. But surely he is entitled to the same treatment as every member of the public? This viewpoint can be emphasised further when you remember that the player who received the alleged racist comment, Anton Ferdinand, did not even make the claim that has led to the subsequent prosecution. It was actually a member of the public who reported it to the police. Now does this information make Terry potentially more innocent? Or should some questions be asked of Ferdinand and why he did not report it to help us stamp racism out of the game for good?
However, serious questions need to be held at the justice system who have delayed the hearing of this case to a much later date than any other Tom, Dick or Harry would have been permitted. It is ludicrous, and hard to fathom their reasoning for it. It has guaranteed that England enter Euro 2012 with further concerns and scandals surrounding the side, although it happens so regularly now that the players must be accustomed to a disruptive preparation period in the lead-up to a tournament. At least this time it is not accompanied with exaggerated and blinded belief that we are one of the favourites to win the competition! In fact, with a new manager only just entering the fray, and the lesser pressure the team will face from the fans and media, it may provide a feeling of optimism and freedom amongst the squad, leading to them performing at a higher level and going further in the competition than expected. Who knows...
What we do know is that the FA is now compiling a shortlist for the manager’s position. I would throw my hat in to the ring; however I don’t think Football Manager accomplishments along with my minor achievements at youth and university level will gain many admirers! Obviously Stuart Pearce is caretaker until a permanent successor is found, but at what point that will be I am unsure. I think had it not been for the inclusion of Team GB in the Olympic football competition this year the FA may have given Pearce the chance to shine at Euro 2012. His commitments to the Team GB role though make that proposition now hugely unlikely. The fact the FA are not acting super-quick also suggests they want a new man in charge for the European Championships, one who is not the current caretaker. Subsequently, you look instantly look at managers who are already attached to a job. The first name then that everyone is spouting off and who is the clear bookies favourite is Harry Redknapp. The current Tottenham Hotspur gaffer took over with the side bottom of the Premier League, and nowadays they are title contenders and have made their Champions League bow during his tenure. His side play a brand of fast, attractive, attacking football, whilst Redknapp is primarily renowned for his man-management abilities; obviously an important characteristic when dealing with the high profiles and potentially inflated ego’s of the senior England footballers. But he is highly unlikely to leave Spurs at this stage of the season when he is on course to take them to their best league finish since 1989/90 where they finished 3rd.
But the FA has been known to make some crazy decisions in the past and not always followed public opinion. So do not dismiss Roy Hodgson, Alan Pardew or Guus Hiddink. Hiddink is an interesting choice to me and I am surprised his name has not been mentioned more frequently since Capello’s resignation. Practically every job he has ever held he has succeeded in, especially at international level – just ask supporters of Russia, Australia and South Korea! He proved to be a popular manager during his brief stint at Chelsea and has the respect of the media, as well as being currently unemployed. He speaks English extremely well and appears to always make his players raise their game and achieve greater things than the expectations bestowed upon them. The only reason he does not appear to be gaining any attention is because he is not English. Now I too am an advocate of having an English manager leading the England team but let’s just remember how much of a failure our last English manager was. Yes, our two foreign managers haven’t set the world alight, but they’ve done just as well as numerous other managers who held the role before them. In fact, Capello has the best win percentage of any previous England manager!
So one comment has caused a chain reaction of events; one which has culminated in our national game needing to find someone new to lead the country into this summer’s major international tournament. Will the FA make the right decision this time? Will a new manager incite anything more out of our alleged superstar players? Will he get the side to a level that can compete with the likes of Spain, Germany and the Netherlands? The decision is vital, not necessarily for the European Championships (which I still believe we should go for and not just give up on) but for the World Cup in 2014, integrating the new generation of players as well as building the work of St George’s Park in its early years, the site intended to be the hub and promise of all of English football from now on.
Sunday 5 February 2012
74 people deserve a thorough investigation
The week has been eventful regarding sport. England are currently involved in a crazy Test match against Pakistan, the Six Nations has kicked off and an exciting line-up for the Olympic velodrome test event was announced. Then there was the world of football which had the January transfer window slam shut and the England captain lose his title. All these stories could have been the focal point for this post. I am instead going to talk about the tragic events that unfolded in Egypt on Wednesday, where 74 people were killed during tragic scenes that unfolded following a football game in Port Said.
Now you may argue that this is me mixing politics with sport; a relationship that does not always turn out for the best. However, I believe the scenes that unfolded are ones that need to be discussed, where the blame does not necessarily need to be attached to a particular person or persons, but reasoning needs to try and be uncovered as to why the events occurred and why the scene was at a sporting venue.
From the information I have digested regarding the situation, I believe the riots were already pre-meditated and not a result of the events that unfolded out of the football pitch. Al-Ahly Ultras have a reputation for causing disruptive and violent behaviour and if the reports are correct regarding them bringing knives into the stadium, then this belief is well supported. Additionally, Al-Ahly fans were considered supporters of the now ousted President Mubarak, and subsequently should have been searched vehemently on their arrival to the ground. Instead, the police, perhaps out of worry, concern or attempting to prevent temperatures and feelings rising, appear to have provided less tight security than usual. The result has led to a disaster, another one in recent times in Africa, which is scarily becoming home to far more often than other areas of the football fraternity. England is scarred by the incidents at Hillsborough and Heysel and thankfully now appears to be a safer environment for individuals to go to games. This is why when incidents do happen on the British Isles nowadays, a media frenzy escalates and clubs act quickly to clamp down on offenders as people hope that the days of hooliganism are not going to return.
Now had Al-Ahly won, would the trouble have still occurred? I would argue yes, because as previously mentioned, I think the violence was pre-meditated and certainly bringing knives into the ground supports this. I do think the actions of the shameful supporters though would have been more minor though, had their side been victorious. Reports suggested the supporters attacked members of their own team when they invaded the pitch. How that is a positive, productive and useful act by alleged ‘fans’, I do not know. However, in the heat of the attack, people are easily swayed by the opinions of the majority. How often in England do we see only a few people invade a pitch at the end of the season, before everyone else in the stand realises it is a worthwhile idea? In Egypt, maybe the same happened, supporters saw others remonstrate with their players and decided to offer their views as well. By the time, they arrived on the field of play, the anarchy had started and they were swept into it, potentially just to survive themselves.
There needs to be a concern though for those individuals who were on the field of play, with no awareness of the levels of security imposed in the lead up to the game. Fundamentally, they have been attacked for no reason what-so-ever, and therefore, you can completely understand why some of them wish to quit the game for good. If their lives are at risk whilst they perform their jobs, then is there any reason to carry on? You may argue that there could be violence in any sectors of life, and this is correct, but a football game has clearly been identified because of the high-profile nature it holds.
So what were the security forces doing? Where were the police? Firstly, they have allowed many individuals to enter the stadium possessing dangerous weapons. These are implements that if found on an individual entering a sporting arena in England, would probably lead to them being arrested and questioned instantly. Then when the invasion began, instead of trying to quell the surge, as is their responsibility, the authorities just stood back. Were they hoping for violence? Are there still too many supporters of Mubarak within the higher levels of the police that they wanted the chaotic scenes to occur? Other than being severely outnumbered, why else would television pictures demonstrate riot police just standing and watching the events unfold instead of intervening? The public, particularly the innocent individuals who were attacked and killed, along with the players who were solely there to play a football game have been incandescently let-down by the authorities and I imagine many fingers of blame will revolve around them in the aftermath and investigation of this tragedy.
What we must remember though, is that 74 people lost their lives in this tragedy. 74 people did not come home to their loved ones. They had gone to watch a football game, to be entertained by their team. They should have come home. Violence should and needs to be eradicated. It certainly should not be necessary for political leverage, whilst using a sporting arena to cause such scenes of carnage is despicable, particularly when there is an awareness of the presence of so many innocent people. Sport has once again been damaged by the actions of others who are clearly not real fans of the game. I had hoped that tragic footballing disasters had become a thing of the past, unfortunately Egypt has proven that you should never rest easy on your laurels.
Now you may argue that this is me mixing politics with sport; a relationship that does not always turn out for the best. However, I believe the scenes that unfolded are ones that need to be discussed, where the blame does not necessarily need to be attached to a particular person or persons, but reasoning needs to try and be uncovered as to why the events occurred and why the scene was at a sporting venue.
From the information I have digested regarding the situation, I believe the riots were already pre-meditated and not a result of the events that unfolded out of the football pitch. Al-Ahly Ultras have a reputation for causing disruptive and violent behaviour and if the reports are correct regarding them bringing knives into the stadium, then this belief is well supported. Additionally, Al-Ahly fans were considered supporters of the now ousted President Mubarak, and subsequently should have been searched vehemently on their arrival to the ground. Instead, the police, perhaps out of worry, concern or attempting to prevent temperatures and feelings rising, appear to have provided less tight security than usual. The result has led to a disaster, another one in recent times in Africa, which is scarily becoming home to far more often than other areas of the football fraternity. England is scarred by the incidents at Hillsborough and Heysel and thankfully now appears to be a safer environment for individuals to go to games. This is why when incidents do happen on the British Isles nowadays, a media frenzy escalates and clubs act quickly to clamp down on offenders as people hope that the days of hooliganism are not going to return.
Now had Al-Ahly won, would the trouble have still occurred? I would argue yes, because as previously mentioned, I think the violence was pre-meditated and certainly bringing knives into the ground supports this. I do think the actions of the shameful supporters though would have been more minor though, had their side been victorious. Reports suggested the supporters attacked members of their own team when they invaded the pitch. How that is a positive, productive and useful act by alleged ‘fans’, I do not know. However, in the heat of the attack, people are easily swayed by the opinions of the majority. How often in England do we see only a few people invade a pitch at the end of the season, before everyone else in the stand realises it is a worthwhile idea? In Egypt, maybe the same happened, supporters saw others remonstrate with their players and decided to offer their views as well. By the time, they arrived on the field of play, the anarchy had started and they were swept into it, potentially just to survive themselves.
There needs to be a concern though for those individuals who were on the field of play, with no awareness of the levels of security imposed in the lead up to the game. Fundamentally, they have been attacked for no reason what-so-ever, and therefore, you can completely understand why some of them wish to quit the game for good. If their lives are at risk whilst they perform their jobs, then is there any reason to carry on? You may argue that there could be violence in any sectors of life, and this is correct, but a football game has clearly been identified because of the high-profile nature it holds.
So what were the security forces doing? Where were the police? Firstly, they have allowed many individuals to enter the stadium possessing dangerous weapons. These are implements that if found on an individual entering a sporting arena in England, would probably lead to them being arrested and questioned instantly. Then when the invasion began, instead of trying to quell the surge, as is their responsibility, the authorities just stood back. Were they hoping for violence? Are there still too many supporters of Mubarak within the higher levels of the police that they wanted the chaotic scenes to occur? Other than being severely outnumbered, why else would television pictures demonstrate riot police just standing and watching the events unfold instead of intervening? The public, particularly the innocent individuals who were attacked and killed, along with the players who were solely there to play a football game have been incandescently let-down by the authorities and I imagine many fingers of blame will revolve around them in the aftermath and investigation of this tragedy.
What we must remember though, is that 74 people lost their lives in this tragedy. 74 people did not come home to their loved ones. They had gone to watch a football game, to be entertained by their team. They should have come home. Violence should and needs to be eradicated. It certainly should not be necessary for political leverage, whilst using a sporting arena to cause such scenes of carnage is despicable, particularly when there is an awareness of the presence of so many innocent people. Sport has once again been damaged by the actions of others who are clearly not real fans of the game. I had hoped that tragic footballing disasters had become a thing of the past, unfortunately Egypt has proven that you should never rest easy on your laurels.
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