Articles: Football

63 seconds into the game against Bayern Munich and our Premiership Champions, Manchester United, were already leading. I was glad I resisted the temptation to crow too loudly. As my partner is a proud German, I did take the opportunity of running into her office, to announce the news. I kept quiet later. Bayern proved to be the better team on the night and as MUFC’s fearless leader, the indomitable Sir Alex, declared, “they (the Reds of course) gave a way the ball.”

But did we fancy Man U to pull off a decisive victory at Old Trafford? Of course we did. But it wasn’t to be. I only wish Alex hadn’t sounded so bitter about “the Germans” ganging up on the referee to get Rafael sent off. People in glass houses just shouldn’t throw stones, should they? And let’s face it, Rafael had it coming. He learned the hard way but it would be good to have someone of Ferguson’s caliber, taking the punch like a man instead of making excuses for his players.

The following night along with many other true blue fans of English football, I was supporting the Gooners. And like you I conveniently overlooked the fact that most of the players in the Arsenal line-up do not hail from England or indeed the British Isles. But the game was at Highbury in North London and the place was packed with expectant Englishmen. Across East Grinstead and our nation the flag was flying for the English team in Europe. Indeed Thierry Henry was coming “home” and that was wonderful to read.

God bless this beautiful game that brings us all together for a few hours atleast.