Monday, October 23, 2006
I still don't like football!
Football (soccer if you live in the US) is a game revered by millions. The beautiful game, they call it. It is the topic of conversations in thousands of pubs, bars and clubs throughout the known universe. Star players become A-list celebs and cost millions of pounds.
If its so great, why don't I like it?
I don't watch it, I don't have a favouite team and I only know about David Beckham because he's an A-lister (see above).
I appreciate the quality of the modern game, its just the following I have a problem with. I'm sorry guys, I just don't get it.
I admit I watched a few of the world cup matches. To me, as a non-enthusiast, England never looked like the winners from day one. Is it good to play ten men in defence? I don't understand. But what do I know?
Watching some the teams reminded me why I really, really don't like football: footballers cheat.
There is nothing honourable about lying to claim advantage.
To simply fall over when an opposing player runs near you is pretty poor. To then writhe around on the ground clutching a patently uninjured ankle, shin, knee, thigh, groin, chest, arm, head, nose (delete as appropriate) until a free kick is awarded in your favour is more than just poor sportsmanship, it is CHEATING.
I'm sorry, but it is.
To then get up and imediately run halfway down the pitch and score a goal just leaves me speechless with disbelieve. It is so utterly indefensible that I just don't understand why mine seems to be the lone voice in the wilderness. Why are so many people so enthusistic about a game that is so morally corrupt?
Surely no other sport in the world allows such dishonesty
And what are referees doing about it? On Saturday, one of them booked two players for celebrating a goal by hugging supporters at the front of the crowd.
Why am I not impressed?
If its so great, why don't I like it?
I don't watch it, I don't have a favouite team and I only know about David Beckham because he's an A-lister (see above).
I appreciate the quality of the modern game, its just the following I have a problem with. I'm sorry guys, I just don't get it.
I admit I watched a few of the world cup matches. To me, as a non-enthusiast, England never looked like the winners from day one. Is it good to play ten men in defence? I don't understand. But what do I know?
Watching some the teams reminded me why I really, really don't like football: footballers cheat.
There is nothing honourable about lying to claim advantage.
To simply fall over when an opposing player runs near you is pretty poor. To then writhe around on the ground clutching a patently uninjured ankle, shin, knee, thigh, groin, chest, arm, head, nose (delete as appropriate) until a free kick is awarded in your favour is more than just poor sportsmanship, it is CHEATING.
I'm sorry, but it is.
To then get up and imediately run halfway down the pitch and score a goal just leaves me speechless with disbelieve. It is so utterly indefensible that I just don't understand why mine seems to be the lone voice in the wilderness. Why are so many people so enthusistic about a game that is so morally corrupt?
Surely no other sport in the world allows such dishonesty
And what are referees doing about it? On Saturday, one of them booked two players for celebrating a goal by hugging supporters at the front of the crowd.
Why am I not impressed?
# posted by Grumpy Old Geoff @ Monday, October 23, 2006 
