Is Football a Small Version of the World?

Football is a mad world and I was once part of it. Not so long ago I was a massive football fan and use to follow all the games, gossip and hype. But now this has changed, The reasons follow (feedback would be greatly appreciated!) -

There are hundreds of thousands of football fans who support their teams wholeheartedly and passionately, which on more than several occasions boils over into violence and criminal behaviour. There are many fans out there who would be distraught and brought down to their knees if their team lost a cup final, failed to get promoted in the play off’s or play below par to what the fans expected (speaking from experience). Some fans’ whole day would be spoilt if their team lost a game. Their emotions would be a roller coaster, shouting abuse at the TV, the referee, the opposition players, the linesmen, the list can go on and on. These emotions are fuelled by our desires and our loyalty towards our teams.

Some people are loyal to their local clubs, some to foreign clubs and some to many clubs. I agree football is a wonderful sport to play, to watch, a joyous form of exercise and a great source of entertainment. Don’t get me wrong I still watch the game, play the game and enjoy it but I am no longer obssessed by it, no longer let it affect my emotions, no longer allow it to make me use foul language and curse players and referees.

Recently, the team I support were knocked out of a major tournament, on my journey home I was angry, dissapointed and let down. My emotions were being controlled by an outside force, an outside force which I realised does me no good. The players don’t know me, the manager doesn’t know me, the money I spend on tickets and merchandise is never paid back to me. Then why do I wholeheartedly support something that in reality brings me no joy, some would argue it brings a trophy, a title etc. but is that really yours? Would the players be upset if you passed away suddenly? Would they be as upset as you if you passed away? These players and managers publicly say they do it for the fans but are they really? Or are they just earning a living? Just like the you, just like the doctor, the surgeon, the nurse and the teacher.