Football and the Common Man

The half time whistle blows during a re-run of the classic Everton vs Liverpool derby match of 1989 and as the players made their way down the tunnel at Goodison Park, a funny thing happens.

A number of supporters hanging over the top of the tunnel started patting players from both clubs on the back as they made their way back to the dressing room.

It occurred to me that this token gesture of good will, would never, ever, happen or even be allowed these days.

The modern day football idols that prance around the pitch are so far removed from the common man, they almost don’t seem real or human.
The divide in wealth and status between Joe Blogs and the David Beckham’s of this world is so great that these God like figures are placed upon a massive pedestal.

We cannot touch them, talk to them and get pushed out of the queue for an unnamed night club when they arrive.

All they could ever want, they can have, but step out of line boys and my word you will feel wrath of the great unwashed.

I ask myself the question, is the public’s hatred for badly behaved footballers born out of the jealousy of their lifestyle and cash? Do we actively wait for them to appear on the front page for us to have our revenge?

The barracking from the stands that John Terry is likely to receive for the rest of his career could be considered a small price to pay for his cars, house and standard of living. But as he is surely finding out there is no sympathy for him from the public because there is no connection anymore. You abuse your considerably higher position, you get hammered.

Right that’s the only John Terry link, I swear.

Yet as the newspaper ink dries on yet another dark football secret, we will continue to build these people up as idols, heroes and role models waiting for a chance to have a pop at them.

So again I ask, is it the fans who are to blame? Or is it shed loads of wonga that drives a wedge between the man on the street and the footballer?

Of course the media does not help to keep the player’s feet on the grass, and with the adulation of adoring fans, why shouldn’t they feel special or untouchable? And this is the key to keeping some sort of check on modern day footballers. It is us.

The fans should always be allowed to voice their opinion as much as they blooming well like, they should let a player know if he has done wrong. After all, most of them would not get paid without us being there to support. Our voices can be punishment and the pleasure.

I bet there are hundreds of footballers across the world who would give up the game if they didn’t get the adoration and buzz from the crowd.

If there is no-one there to watch it and comment on what happens, there is not the same feeling. No butterflies in the stomach and no adrenalin shot after scoring a vital goal.

Would the all the money mean as much without us being there to look on in awe?

Well I guess it would help you sleep a little easier at night … right John?

Joe Bill

February 5, 2010