I know this is a cricket blog, but Wayne Rooney was totally out of order in moaning about the England fans booing them off the pitch last night.
It can't be a lot of fun for the players to hear that, but Rooney and players of all sports need to remember a couple of things.
Firstly, that freedom of speech is an important tenet of life in this country, as it is in any democracy. I'm all for it, though we all have different opinions. I don't expect everyone to agree with mine all the time (or even some of the time) and I try to remember at all times that I am a supporter, first and foremost. However, if Derbyshire are poor, I will say so.
England were rank rotten last night and if Rooney or anyone else expected to be applauded off after that display then they are as delusional as they are overpaid and, on recent showings, overrated. When someone has paid a lot of money to travel around the world to follow a team, they expect to be entertained or at least see their team put up some sort of display, which England totally failed to do.
This is equally applicable to a county cricket side, whose members and supporters spend reasonable money to see them play. While it is unrealistic to expect them to win every game, most fans will be happy if they see their team competing and doing their best. Derbyshire are doing that in the T20 and I have no complaints.
England? In the accepted parlance, you're 'avin' a larf, mate...
I get annoyed with everyone saying it isn't fair that England played so bad when the fans paid so much money to get to south africa and watch - do they think the Algerian fans got in for free or something? Why do England fans think they have more of a right to an enjoyable than everyone else?
ReplyDeleteThat should say "an enjoyable game" btw
ReplyDeleteGood point Sid, mine is that fans have a right (within reason) to say what they like. I know England didn't play badly on purpose, but players cannot expect to get a hero's reception when they play that badly. Surrey's players have found that out recently. If fans see 100% effort and commitment they'll be OK, but not otherwise.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech unless you happen to post on the BBC 606 messageboards
ReplyDeleteI am totally agreed with you, Peakfan. They can't expect a hero's reception after that dire performance. Are you on facebook? There's about 80,000 people in the group calling the bird who sat on Algeria's goal through the match, not disturbed at all! Too funny.
ReplyDeleteI'm an Australian cricket fan living in the UK, don't even get me started on the BBC!
Aaah, man! I need to use previews. That should say "calling the bird ... a legend".
ReplyDeleteSID before you laugh at england you should worry about australia 4-0 to germany.
ReplyDeleteAaah, the nasty commenter who doesn't have the balls to leave his name LOL
ReplyDeleteI wasn't laughing at England I was criticising them.
And why should I worry about Australia'a loss? We are just happy to even be at the world cup, the loss was no surprise.