Thought Of The Day: Football, Is It Anything Less Than a Religion?

Humor is hot on Bleacher Report these days but I'm taking a slightly more serious look at football and life.

What is religion?

In a dictionary, Religion is defined as "beliefs and spiritual practices which run sets of mankind."

Sachin Tendulkar is God in India because Cricket is a religion.

In Football, supporters are too passionate about their respective clubs and they believe there is a loyalty that exists and it overtakes their minds.

Recently, as Manchester United played Liverpool at Anfield, where they were defeated 2-1, a distant relative of a friend parted ways with the love of her life.

I'd prefer not to name the couple but 'X' who supported Liverpool and her nine-year relationship with 'Y' headed towards Splitsville after a heated argument over 90 minutes of some intense football, where Ryan Babel ensured Liverpool took all three points.

They say "It's just a game" but as Dev Ashish pointed out, it clearly isn't.

The latest sensation on Bleacher Report has undoubtedly been the rise of Michelle Alves alongside a late bloomer, Thomas.

Michelle recently wrote a piece on "How Football Ruined Her Life"—it's a humor piece but makes for a good read.

Thomas' came out with "What To Bring and What Not To Bring To Bleacher Report"

Back to the topic now, Football is increasingly becoming a globalized phenomenon.

The English Premier League attracts an audience not just from England or Europe but from as far away as Asia and North America.

This growing fanbase of Premier League is largely due to Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal—Chelsea, I'm not too sure.

The new members of this contingent are often called "glory hunters" but some of them possess a passion which is hard to match.

After Chelsea's defeat to Manchester United in the UEFA Champions League final, over nine different cases of suicide were reported—most of them were teenagers.

"Passion" or Stupidity, I'll leave that to you.

Maybe a line needs to be drawn, but can one ever be?

Being a true supporter of any football club around the world, regardless of it's popularity, whether it's Blackburn, Newcastle, Atlanta, Nurnberg, Dundee United, or LA Galaxy requires:

• Passion—this is essential.
• Patience—especially if you support Arsenal or Newcastle.
• Pulse—In Football, shocks and surprise are very regular, whether it's 6-0 rout or £32m signing of Robinho, you need a fighting heart which can withstand all "forces".
• Inspiration—If you're a Hull City supporter, fighting relegation, you need inspiration or a simple belief to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium
• Commitment—Is it right to switch from Arsenal to Liverpool because of your girlfriend, when you've supported Liverpool since you were four?
• Confidence—Does this really need an explanation?

I love contradictions—I've voiced my opinion, now going back to the "Thought of the Day", I'd say "No".

Yes, football is just a bunch of men kicking a ball, when it's compared to religion.

Whether you're a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Hindu, a Red Devil, a Gunner, or a Scouser, I've got nothing against you...

Religion and the Belief of God is too superior to be compared to football or any sport for that matter...

Give us your thoughts....