From a psychological perspective the relationship between a football club and it’s supporters could be compared with the relationship between a parent and it’s children. In an ideal world the relationship would be characterized by mutual love, respect and support and the parent or the football club would provide a safe haven and comfort the children when the rest of the world treats them rough. The children would have their own place in the family and be able to share part of the decision process so that their needs also were satisfied and taken into account when decisions are being made.
Sadly, the trend in the modern football world today is that it’s turned towards a deterioration of this ideal relationship. I regard what happened between Manchester United and it’s supporter as analogous to a parent who after a few years of tougher, more authoritarian and more demanding love finally left the children for another (and richer) family.
Left in the rain there was a lot of children scorned and they had a decision to make. Thus a few of these children decided they’d finally had enough. They proclamed that you might sell my home but you can’t buy me. Heck, leave if you must! We shall not chase your dying love and affection anymore! “I don’t care about Rio, cause Rio don’t care about me”. These children scorned were the children of the revolution. I don’t know how much they knew about it at the time but they were about to create something very beautiful. With a lot of hard work and dedication they set out to start their own family and they replaced the love and support that they had lost with a love greater still for this was something that was born and created from their own hearts. And when you follow your heart respect automatically comes with it. The gospel of FC United is rapidly spreading and nowadays they are getting respect and love from all over the world. They continously show the world that there is another way. A way where the new generation decides what’s what. Where democracy reigns and ownership is returned to the people. And finally, they are not far from accomplishing what no one but themselves thought possible. They’re gonna build their own home.
These words are my celebration and tribute to everything that FC United stands for. The political and philosophical challenge against the modern world of football is alone worthy of accolades. But what I have found even more astonishing is the warmth and hospitality I have received as a guest of FC United. I’ve been a United supporter since I was 10 and I don’t know if I’ll ever stop chasing that distance parent. But each and every time I attend an FC game I have to say that I feel more and more at home. I’m now a member since a few months back and if I am sure of one thing then this is it:
When your home is finally ready and it’s time for your home-warming party, you can bet that I’ll be there knocking on your door with a home-warming present saying: “Well done! You proved to the world that there is another way. And by the way, your home looks lovely”
(printed in the FC United Match Programme 1st of April 2013)