Sorry mate but you're not going to get this thread all your own way just because you say you feel strongly about it. I think Oddball made a pertinent point here and may have been directing it in your direction considering you used to be a travelling fan yourself: "And maybe goal celebrations in sport should be banned all together and following that where do you stop then?I personally hold all war crimes in exactly the same context ... evil Next England game v Germany arrest everyone who sings the dam busters mock googles and all or the great escape ... There is no mistakes what the crowd is doing there" Now every national team (England, Scotland, Germany, Ireland, France etc) has a section of supporters that will sing songs unrelated to football, songs that are perhaps a bit lacking in taste. Now of course I wouldn't want such things made illegal etc - free will etc - nor would Oddball I'm sure, but what he's doing here is exposing hypocrisy. That's what I was doing with COL's statement also. Stainsey you're a top geezer but we've got to be careful here. Very careful. Oddball has a point IMO.
Great point that I hope hasn't been lost sb........Exactly what system are these (evidently Muslim) well paid, lavish life style, multi millionaire footballers making a stand against ? I'm sure life in there humble abodes, living a dream in the playground of the filthy rich, that most of us would love to play in, is so hard for them. Or is it that maybe it's just a load of old gonads.
When I've finished my well deserved break I will try to answer your points Swords.....BUT my point to you was about your continued baiting of Col (and a few others) on this and many other threads, just to get a reaction. That's what I would like you to stop mate 'cos it could ruin what is quite a good debate. Ps before you say it, I know I'm not entirely innocent with regard to Cerny but at least I'm willing to admit it
Staines, I love you. You're my favourite poster of all! Funnily enough, your post above - the one addressing Stan - I totally agree with! So I agree and disagree with everyone all at the same time. Weird innit?!
Never said it was. But these are your words: "Anelka knew exactly what he was doing. It was clearly a religious/political gesture." Taarabt's was clearly a religious gesture, so what have you got to say about that?
One was declaring his love for the God he believes in...........the other was showing support for racist hatred. Clear enough?
Ok Swords, break over so will try to answer some of yours (and maybe Daves) points. You are very much correct, that i was a travelling England fan for many years in the 90's and yeah, i did some things that i regret now. I was a different person and i like to think i've matured a bit since then and become a bit more politically (and morally) aware. The thing is, and i'm not condoning my, or my fellow fans, actions but the big difference in this case is that we were FANS !!. Nobody looked up to us, nobody held us in esteem (On the contary, we were hated and despised in the main wherever we travelled to...and if im honest, in some cases, rightly so) With Anelka, he is a well paid, footballer who should care about the influence he has on others and the possible incitement of hatred that he could cause with his gesture. That to me Swords, is a big difference
But you're the one who complained about a player showing "clearly a religious/political gesture"! Irony much?
It was the political aspect I was complaining about. Even though I'm not religious myself, I have no problem with a person believing whatever they choose, as long as they don't wish harm on others for not sharing their beliefs. Now I know you can see exactly what the difference is and I also know that you will continue to bait me until you can find some perceived weakness in what I'm saying.........then you'll no doubt start accusing me of being a right wing racist as you have done it the past. So why don't you save us all the effort of having to read that **** and concentrate on the thread in hand? There's a good chap.
Me too. But you obviously see no problem in a footballer bringing those beliefs into the game by ripping off his shirt and showing religious slogans for thousands to see, do you not? I disagree. I don't think there's any place in football for players to be making religious/political gestures of any kind (where did I hear that before? ). (Staines, an important distinction made there mate and its a very good point.)
Are you against Spanish/Catholic players crossing themselves as they enter the field of play Swords ??
Many, many players make religious gestures all the time on football pitches, usually when they enter the pitch or after scoring a goal, by crossing themselves or showing some other form of religious belief. I don't have a problem with it and it is incredibly widespread. I do have a problem with what Anelka did. There is no place in football (or anywhere for that matter) for political or religious hatred imo. If you think what Anelka did is ok then that's up to you as you're entitled to an opinion.
Agree as I said no place in football as it rakes all sorts of stuff ... my points are simply that and i like living in a world where anyone can say what they wish as long as they understand the consequences and reactions of their actions. There are many words and gestures used in anti semitics ... In this case i do not believe Anelka meant anything as sinister as what the reports have suggested. My point is the jump from footballer to jew hater is one that a lot of people have taken and there within is my criticism. there are certain things that are taboo and of course open passions and i respect Staines for his and sorry can't see any winding up being done at all. He cares very much of course but the media are just about to end Anelkas life if they can or could .. someone has to put that into perspective regardless how daft the man is. I expect he may already be finished now anyway and again thats my point.
