Could somebody please tell me what exactly is wrong with
international soccer fans these days?
I know it’s always been bad, with the riots and the brawls in
the stands, but lately, the complete lack of respect by these fans
has seemingly gone to a whole new level.
Could somebody please tell me what exactly is wrong with international soccer fans these days?
I know it’s always been bad, with the riots and the brawls in the stands, but lately, the complete lack of respect by these fans has seemingly gone to a whole new level.
And it’s getting dangerous.
Last November’s brawl between players and spectators in Detroit at the Pistons-Pacers game was about as ugly as it gets as far as fans acting inappropriately. But now it looks like soccer fans are making a run at that dubious title.
During a soccer match on Tuesday in Milan, Italy, a questionable call by a referee resulted in fans hurling flares from the stands onto the pitch in protest. At that point, things were getting pretty bad. But they went from bad to downright scary pretty quickly when the opposing team’s goalie was hit by one of the flares.
Tuesday’s ugly incident was just one in a recent series of miserable displays by soccer fans.
From the “Osama, Osama” chants the United States team had to endure from fans of Mexico to the rowdy boos by Scottish fans in a recent match as the venue attempted to honor the deceased pope, the complete lack of class from soccer fans is reaching an intolerable level.
Maybe it’s just not a big deal in the eyes of the international sports community.
In the days following the November fight at the Palace, U.S. sports pages and Web sites were littered with commentary and outrage over what had happened. I just checked the sports section of the BBC’s Web site and the story on Tuesday’s disgraceful scene is already a footnote, just a small story on possible repercussions for the team whose fans were involved.
Looks like it’s back to business as usual in the soccer world.
Going from the currently horrible to the previously horrible, I have to say that I was very happy to hear that Mike Tyson is going to get back into the ring this summer.
How’s that for a 180-degree turn?
I know, I know. How could I spend half of this column talking about out of control, lunatic soccer fans and then go on to say that I’m looking forward to the return of Iron Mike?
First off, he’s local. Wait a minute, I’m being told that’s not accurate. He ate in Gilroy once.
Basically, mark this down to nostalgia. When I was a kid, Tyson was simply the most feared man on the planet. He had the ability to knock opponents out seemingly at will, within mere seconds of the opening bell.
My awe over Tyson’s ability turned to resentment right about the time I paid $60 to watch Iron Mike fight Evander Holyfield. I was living in Seattle at the time and my roommates and I were all set to have some friends over to watch the event.
We were all more than a little disappointed when the fight was cut short because Tyson, who looked like he didn’t even want to be in the ring that night, took a bite out of Holyfield’s ear.
But now, I truly believe that Tyson is a changed man. His personal demons no longer appear to be determining his actions and, from what I’ve read, he is totally committed to getting back into boxing shape.
As I watched Tuesday’s press conference announcing his return, I was taken by what I honestly believe is Tyson’s new motivation for fighting: To take care of his children. Three of his kids were there to watch their dad climb back into the world of boxing’s limelight. They weren’t looking at him like he was an animal, a monster or a deranged sociopath, they were looking at him as if to say: “Hey Dad, let’s wrap this up and go get some ice cream.” I never thought I’d say it but it looks like Tyson has finally achieved a certain level of normalcy, despite the tattoo on his face. He knows he’s made some colossal mistakes in his life so far but I have to believe that the well-being of his children is going to be enough to keep him on an even keel for the rest of his career.
I don’t think Tyson will ever again reach the heights as far as the rankings go, (but given the current sorry state of affairs in the heavyweight division, who knows) but I have to say that I’m looking forward to seeing a couple of quality fights over the next couple of years from the new and (mentally) improved Iron Mike.
