It’s not like me to write about sports – football especially – but the recent headlines have caught my eye.
The Premier League here in Britain is considering allowing teams to play one extra game a year overseas, and that the score from that would count into the over all league table, so it’s not a ‘friendly’ game*. This decision has met some fierce controversy as fans of these teams are complaining that it’ll then cost them thousands of pounds to fly to China or Australia or India or wherever to watch their team. Now, I can say I’m not a really big fan of sports in general so perhaps my comment isn’t valid as the guy next door who this issue might genuinely touch but as this is my blog I’m allowed to write what ever I want. Fantastic!
Here we go:
So fucking what if it costs you thousands to go and see the team? Don’t go! Those matches are not for you! They’re for people living in those parts of the world. Not for you. Save your money and go see the rest 38 odd games that are played in the U.K. You’re not forced to go. The game is played for money and they’ll make tons of it from the Liverpool/Chelsea/ManU/Arsenal etc. fans who want to see them play but can’t afford ‘thousands of pounds’ to fly to the U.K.
Look, this is exactly why Tom Waits plays in Europe every 10-12 years. So the fans, like myself, don’t have to fly to the States. Same thing.
It’s not taking anything away from you. In fact, it probably benefits you as the team will get more per game revenue from playing abroad and therefor you can hope your team will compensate it in the domestic ticket price. Or, if it all goes really well, your team will be able to build an even bigger stadium so more of your friends can watch the game. With you. Share and you shall receive.
–kristian
*Are there ‘friendly’ games, anyhow?