zigzag wanderer said:
If you're talking about booing during a game, I agree.
AFTER the final whistle I think the fans can react however they like.
English football fans rarely boo their own team because of incompetence or mistakes. The one thing guaranteed to upset the fans is a (perceived) lack of effort by the players.
You talk about showing respect - the booing starts when the fans feel the players aren't showing them respect. It works both ways.
Points noted. You make a convincing argument. The booing and player performances need to be placed into perspective. England drew a game. They did not play badly, but they also didn't play superbly. England simply struggled like Spain did against Switzerland. In this context, if England had played as poorly as my countrymen did against Germany, I'd think booing their efforts would be valid (not that I did or would ever boo). Basically I think everyone should take a look at England. Yes they could have played better. Yes they were frustrated, but they didn't suck and they didn't lose. England fans once again, like many enthusiastic fans world wide do, expected more. This comes down to their attitudes. As I said, over inflated idea of self worth. Mistakes happen.
The Hitch said:
(Responce from someone who does NOT support england and took joy in their defeat, i mean draw)
1 they are not booing the country. They are booing those individuals who represent them in association football. Just because someone plays for the football team doesnt make them immune from getting booed. (though it usualy does make them immune from going to jail when commiting crimes)
2 Perhaps you dont understand what being a footballer playing for england means. These people are given the world and everything thats in it. All the luxuries imaginable are bestowed on them. When they disgrace themselves or even commit crimes they are let of the hook.
Only one thing is asked of them
Win a few matches for England against far lesser oposition (eg slovenia, algeria, usa)
The fans on the other hand are mostly working class joes who work in mundane difficult jobs 10 hours a day, all so that they get the privelage of flying accross the world to see the england football team play. Its what motivates them to work work work while John Terry is cheating with his team mates wives and Steven Gerrard is beating up people in bars and Frank Lampard is abandoning his kids (oh and when radio presenters complain about this behaviour they get death threats sent to them)
In case you missed it, England have FAILED to beat Algeria and the US. The US main striker plays as a reserve for Hull city (englands 2nd league). A few Algeria players play for Charlton and Shef Wednesday (englands 2nd league)
They did not have any decisions go against them or any missed chances. they were simply awful.
For me the fans have every right to boo these guys.
There was a time when someone of such high privelage could f**k the working classes this way and the working classes would have to reply "thank you sir may i have another".
NO MORE.
I know dude. I know. I cheer for England. I'm Australian. When we're not in it, I cheer for England...technically I also cheer for Spain, Portugal and France. I know how good they are and how well they should perform if they come into the game with all their ducks in a row. The SBS commentators in Aus, mentioned nobody came off the English bus smiling. Maybe the pressure is getting to the team. Wouldn't be the first time an English sporting team has felt the weight of public expectation and not known how to handle it. As I said above...you didn't lose. If it weren't for Green's one slip up, you be on 4 points already. Gerrard, in my opinion, has played well both games. So too Ashley Cole. James was very solid and Carragher and Terry have been as well. Just a few changes are needed. Gerrard needs more support...Joe Cole anyone? Ashley Cole needs more supply, he gets it at Chelsea, he needs it now. It works wonders. Personally I think Walcott could have added pace down the right side but he was left out. Not to worry there is enough talent available. Also Crouch should have come on earlier...minor details. Cappello still has time to fix it. Rooney? He needs a boot up the **** but that is it. Also tell the strikers to shoot not pass.
Simple stuff. What does booing do? Motivate the team? Or does it pull the team down publicly. As for the overpaid players. I agree 100% with you. I don't like what Terry did. I don't like Rio Ferdinand. I don't like Gerrard can get away with aggravated assault. I cannot change that and neither can the fans...but they can change how they react. English fans still live in a first world country and yes, they do struggle to make ends meet. But it's better than the Favelas in Brazil. We have a similar attitude to the self importance traits I mentioned concerning your countrymen, here in Australia. Tall poppy syndrom. Cut the big guys down to make ourselves (little guys) feel better. That is all this is. My point was that fans may feel crap about the outcome...but so do the players. The booing is all about "Me, me and me" some more. England didn't lose and didn't suck, they only failed to impress. There is still more time...chin up, they'll get through. I still want to see them and Spain in the final...not sure if it's possible, but fingers crossed. All England need is a sense of urgency and some speed on the ball. How do they get that? It's confidence and Rooney was right...booing a team when they struggled to meet their high standard and were frustrated as a result don't need fans rubbing it in. Cheer them all the time when they play. If they really suck, point taken, boo if you must, but any other circumstances I feel it is unwarranted.
I'm going to go watch the Aussie game. I hope they've improved their attitude and put up a fight. I don't expect much, but I hope if they do lose, they put in some real effort. I can take getting beaten if we play ok. I cannot take zero effort and whining to the ref.
Oh about Algeria and the USA. Perhaps England as a whole, players and fans, could show some more respect. The USA ended Spains 35 match winning streak last year and almost beat Brazil. They are a well drilled team. They were never going to be a walkover. Algeria beat over 3 games Egypt, who have won the last 3 African Cups and are arguably the most disciplined and complete team on the African continent. Expecting to beat them hands down is unjustified. It also explains the English fans reaction and squads reaction. Their expectations were out of whack and when the plan wasn't working they were left flat footed. Easily fixed with this squad. England simply need to beat Slovenia and they go through.
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