Some thoughts about clubs and fandom. You should divorce the team you support and your idea of fan culture from the business of that club
The boardroom and the terraces have (generally) wanted the same thing: success. But for different reasons. Supporters for glory, owners for profits (though they love the glory and the prestige)
The most important thing about football is the sense of culture and history among fans. A stupid game means something. Identity. Community. Beating rivals. Gathering together
That has been eroded and the European Super League is the tipping point. But how did we get here?
Well, when football became 'entertainment.' When the people who were the best and richest in the game moaned that others with less talent neutralised their skill. Not helped by the televisual globalisation of the sport
Effort, teamwork and defensive football have been derided and demeaned. We all want to see the stars run wild and entertain us. None of the clubs or managers that moaned about being challenged liked to admit that money bought superior players
Nah, it was almost like they wanted you to believe it was a clash of equals. And those dirty, poorer equals were killing the game and stopping you being entertained. *Hiya Arsene*
Privilege. Those with it get angry when they don't get what they believe is their due. Hello Arsenal, Spurs and, yes Liverpool
As for the idea of entertainment. Do fans care to be entertained or do they like winning trophies? One of the worst trends of the past two decades is the idea of being entertained
I've seen more live football than almost all of you. I've seen more trophies for the team I support than almost all of you. And you know what? The actual game is often dull, even watching the best, most talented players.
What makes it a joy is watching with your mates. Being part of a shared experience. Projecting your culture and your beliefs onto a capitalist enterprise that doesn't really care about you
All football fans buy into the myth that they are important to the club. It is the bond of faith that somehow makes the game work. We all know it's a lie but as long as everyone buys into it, we can go forward in our happy delusion
The Super League blows that delusion up. Good luck with it. It'll work, I'm sure. Make loads of money. The deep roots of community and culture will wither. But, to be honest, who does that matter to? Not anyone important. You. Me. No one with a real voice
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