So England beat the assembled mechanics, dentists and chefs of Andorra 5-0 -
cue wild celebrations in the street, fountains of untrammelled praise in the
press and - wait for it - we're going to win the European Championships....
International football has long been an object of derision in these parts,
it is blatantly manipulated to suit a few countries, it is blighted by
partial refereeing, systematic cheating and obsessive self glorification. It
is not unlike the premier league.
In seeking to return to 'Club England', McClaren is understandably trying to
cut out some of the more self indulgent traits that had crept into the side
under Erickson, but there was still something about the game on Saturday
that left a deeply unpleasant taste - two incidents summed it up for me -
Ashley Cole, tripping accidentally over a prone Andorran, in recovering his
balance planted his feet not once but twice on the defenceless part timer -
then wandered off without even a backward glance. The second incident was
worse, England attack breaks down, the ball rolling to an Andorran clear of
any marking player, in his own penalty area - cue ghastly tackle from the
yellow haired buffoon representing Manchester United - upon being penalised
walks away grinning. Well I guess that really showed the Andorrans who the
classier outfit was on the day. The first of these incidents incidentally
ended with the Andorran going off on a stretcher, leg in a splint. Well
he'll remember the day with something less than affection I'd guess.
Football at the top level has become a horrorshow of indulgence, performed
by a motley crew of millionaire thugs and superstar retards for whom the
constant attentions of a fawning media and sycophantic agents has removed
any recognition of concepts such as sport, fair play, human decency etc.
Would it have hurt either of the two players mentioned above to apologise to
their opponents, even perhaps help them to their feet? What makes it worse
is a suspicion that had the opponents been deemed 'worthy', then very
probably the apologies would have been forthcoming - in failing even to
acknowledge the presence of the grounded opposition , the arrogance of these
players made itself painfully obvious.
Perhaps this is what makes supporting Leeds United a worthwhile activity -
we exist in a league built for the most part on honest endeavour, football
performed by men who make up in effort what they lack in skill, managers who
wear their hearts on their sleeves and results which for the most part are
earned without bribing or intimidating the referee.
Just a thought
Chris Wright
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oh alright then :-)
