As Fabio Capello slumped down the tunnel of the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona, having witnessed an abject first half display from his England side, he could be forgiven for becoming lost in his own thoughts.
As the Italian pondered introducing Joe Cole—a move that would ultimately ensure victory against a resolute Andorran side—he could also be forgiven for failing to register the reaction of England’s travelling fans.
Like his predecessor, Steve McClaren, the new England manager and his players walked off to resounding boos from around the ground. Abuse was hurled at the management and the players, with little doubt being left as to exactly how the sizeable travelling faithful felt about their performance.
There to cheer on the heroes, those in the stands had quickly turned against the team on the pitch. Their crime? Being level at half-time in an away World Cup Qualifier against a side that had conceded an average of 2.5 goals in its last 11 home games.
England subsequently went on to record a comfortable 2-0 win. But the reaction of the fans will live a lot longer in the memory of all who were there.
Something is intrinsically wrong with this picture. The boo-boys in Barcelona no doubt consider themselves “fans” or “supporters” of England—but is such a description remotely accurate?
Supporter (n) one who promotes or advocates, an adherent.
Criticism, insults, and a chorus of abuse—all these seem incongruous with the dictionary definition of a supporter. Perhaps the description of England’s “Barmy Army” needs changing.
Judge (n) to pass sentence on, to condemn.
This description seems far more sensible. The role of the England follower seems no longer to be to cheer on their beloved national side, but rather to form an opinion about how the side are performing, based on some predefined criteria (not often entrenched in fact), and react accordingly.
Booing at half-time in a World Cup Qualifier, especially an away match, seems to me an exercise in futility. Was it ever likely to spur the lads onto victory? Was it going to make the players on the pitch think, “Yes, we must go out and win this convincingly for our devoted supporters”?
I doubt it.
However, this is not intended as a criticism of the modern England “judge”. I would never suggest that those in the terraces should not express their feelings, negative or otherwise. Just as they cheer a goal, they should criticise errors.
They have a right to their opinion—and on Saturday had every reason to expect more from their team. But does that warrant their subsequent reaction, at that time in the game?
I disagree with the fans’ reaction on Saturday, but I don’t blame them for it. They are just the puppets, directed by an ethereal puppet-master.
The media.
Seemingly, the arbiters of public opinion.
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