Just came across this article on the support following England around in Qatar. Interesting and thought-provoking topic. The following is only an excerpt, I'll leave it to others to post other bits they'd like to underline:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/dec/02/safe-and-welcoming-england-fan-culture-diversifying-in-qatar
"[...] the last time the national team played in an away tournament, at the 2019 Nations League in Portugal. Thousands of fans caused general mayhem in Porto and sang songs about Tommy Robinson, the Irish Republican Army and German bombers. Two England fans were also arrested after being baton-charged by police after hurling bottles at local supporters and police in a packed fan zone.
So what is going on? Several fans the Guardian spoke to suggested that because Qatar is a Muslim country and it is harder to find alcohol, they felt safer travelling out to support England. They knew they would not be drenched by a beer shower and the risk of antisocial behaviour would be lower."
How about you, are you afraid of the England support losing its identity, or are you happy for it to be replaced with one that's more multicultural and tolerant of difference?
What England support do you prefer to see?
posted on 3/12/22
Yes I wouldn’t be bothered about no alcohol at the grounds.
You only get 15 minutes, unless you miss the game, to drink at OT anyway. And nothing on the European nights. Well I think it’s still that, not been for a few years.
posted on 3/12/22
I like a drink, but never really understood the rushing down to get a beer for half time. Seems the most pointless thing ever.
Don't even go for the free beer at HT when I sit in CL.
posted on 3/12/22
Can’t we just have alcohol so fans can get nicely drunk and have fun without being absolute cuuunts. I know football should be all inclusive and a safe space for everyone but I do feel sad that like with most things these days it’s all being diluted and become a little boring and Disneyfied.
I did read that there’s 1 pub in Qatar called the Red Lion that vaguely resembles an English pub where a lot of fans are going. 2 hour queue to get in and £6.50 a pint, strange there aren’t more of them.
posted on 3/12/22
comment by Shinjury list (U1700)
posted 1 hour, 19 minutes ago
I prefer this type of support:
https://youtu.be/wOgJniA-2PE
Absolutely fcking love this scene. Great tune, great song and the unison is amazing.
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I just LOVE this, and don’t want it to change, as long as it doesn’t degenerate into destruction and violent confrontations with rival fans.
posted on 3/12/22
comment by D'Jeezus Mackaroni (U1137)
posted 45 minutes ago
I like a drink, but never really understood the rushing down to get a beer for half time. Seems the most pointless thing ever.
Don't even go for the free beer at HT when I sit in CL.
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Pathetic
posted on 3/12/22
comment by Shinjury list (U1700)
posted 1 hour, 41 minutes ago
I prefer this type of support:
https://youtu.be/wOgJniA-2PE
Absolutely fcking love this scene. Great tune, great song and the unison is amazing.
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Looks like fun.
posted on 3/12/22
In Montreal they come to your seats to sell you beer. They don't do this in England?
posted on 4/12/22
comment by it'sonlyagame (U6426)
posted 9 hours, 38 minutes ago
comment by Shinjury list (U1700)
posted 1 hour, 41 minutes ago
I prefer this type of support:
https://youtu.be/wOgJniA-2PE
Absolutely fcking love this scene. Great tune, great song and the unison is amazing.
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Looks like fun.
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From my couch anyway. Or if it was 15 years ago.
posted on 4/12/22
Football would do well to move away from the drunken culture. In this day and age it's just primitive and barbaric. It will get boring for some people but it will become a better experience for other people.
posted on 4/12/22
When the Barmy Army follow the England cricket team they like a drink and a good sing song.The flags they have display names of football teams They dont have locals opposition fans and the police trying to wind them up like the football fans do.
Nothing will happen in Qatar.
Any trouble that happens will be in every town and village in England once they are eliminated.