Is this the most sneeringly anti-football fan piece of writing ever?

By Iain Hepburn on Dec 6, 08 08:57 AM in rant

Now, given my day job, I don't like to point fingers at other newspaper websites.

But I read this piece on the Times' website today and my blood boiled hot enough to melt permafrost.

Now, there's a few on there that I can't disagree with. Tim Lovejoy for example - a man who represents all that's wrong with football in the modern age, not least his truly horrific excuse for a football book and his general demeanour of being a man you'd never tire of whalloping in the face with a shovel.

But there's a few on there where it just sounds like petty sneering and smart-arsing by someone who clearly hasn't watched a game of football in their life.

Elton John for example. Now, whatever you think of Elton John - and all the documentary evidence suggests he's a preening, queeny prima donna - he's a genuine Watford fan who really did put his money where his mouth is as chairman of the club for many years.

Ricky Hatton. Not only one of the finest boxers of his generation, but such a die hard City fan that he used to turn out in shorts made from a replica shirt, and to this day still wears sky blue in the ring. A man who wears his support on his sleeve (and round his waist).

Hugh Grant. Worked as a sodding groundsman at Fulham when he was younger. Now that's commitment for you. Still goes regularly to the Cottage. Sat during last season's final day relegation battle with the haunted look of a man knowing his side are seconds from going down. You don't get that if you're a Johnny Come Lately.

Sean Bean. Again - wears his love of Sheffield Utd on his sleeve, or on his upper arm, to be precise, having had it tattooed on there. Apparently fell out with Neil Warnock over wanting the club to get shot of it's mascot. Since everyone's fallen out with Neil Warnock at some point, that's not a surprise. Hating the mascot though - Sean, I salute you.

Now, I know the article's trying to be funny (albeit not trying very hard) but my problem is this - who the hell is the Times, or anyone in fact, to call someone a bad football fan. Especially if it's somebody who pays their money every week, follows the club either from the stands or afar, and is proud of their support.