Support Spain? Nah, but maybe Russia

28May/083

Colombian writer, Juan Gabriel Vásquez has a short piece in the Guardian today explaining why British football fans, with no team in the European Championships, should opt to support Spain instead. Most of his reasons concern nonsense along the lines of 'Spain is different' and 'Zapatero likes gays' (apparently this is an appeal to Guardianista sympathies). He also mentions that he lives in Barcelona, and that football is more than just a game here, which is true. What he doesn't mention is that (at least, based on a very unscientific survey of my colleagues and acquaintances) half the people you ask around here won't even be supporting Spain themselves.

There's a minority of people who are calling for a Catalan national team. I don't see any problem with this: the precedent has been set by Scotland and Wales, both of which have their own football associations. Indeed, the two 'biggest' Welsh clubs even play in the English league, just as Barça and Espanyol could play in the Spanish league. Personally, I don't see much point in creating a Catalan football team but I also can't really see any argument against it. If enough people want it, they may as well make it happen.

I'll probably support Russia this time around as I have an inkling that they may already have it all sewn up.

Filed under: Catalonia, UK Leave a comment

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Graham Tappenden
May 28th, 2008 - 23:33

"I'll probably support Russia this time around as I have an inkling that they may already have it all sewn up."

Are you sure you're talking about the right contest?

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juanjo
May 29th, 2008 - 08:21

Until Catalonia is a country in it's own right, there is no comparison between Wales and Scotland. And as Scotland have their own league, and certainly don't play in the English league,which country would you suggest Catalonia should follow, Scotland or Wales. Perhaps they could set up their own league like Scotland, and Barca and Español could play each other about 20 times a season.

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Rhys
May 29th, 2008 - 13:41

This guy Juan Gabriel Vásquez really has his finger on the pulse I see – does he ever leave his flat and see what goes on on the street?

When you're a stateless nation, having your own football team (or any other sport) to cheer is quite important pshycologiacally I think, however small a step it might seem – and if the manage to lose at every sport! Don't know if you're into bowls or not

When I was in Bilbao two years ago, a matter of weeks before the 2006 Word Cup, I was surprised* that there was no Spain kits in any sport shops or posters in pubs urging drinkers to 'support' the boys. Contrast that with Wales, where you can buy an England shirt in any sports shop, but not a Wales one. Apparently last night, while both Wales and England were playing frendlies, and both matches being on terrestial TV, most pubs in Cardiff city centre were showing the England match – only in Wales eh!

With England not qualifying, it's going to make the tournament much more tolerable to watch on TV.

*well, not that suprised.

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