After what feels like an eternity without the beautiful (English) game, it has now been confirmed that Premier League football will be resumed on the 17th of June.
Or will it? Hear me out…
Throughout the years, when I think of Old Trafford, I think of the stretford end arising. I think of thousands of fans in unison cheering with elation or disappointment. And pretty much every emotion in between.
If I’m having a nostalgic look back at games gone by, the atmosphere alone is just as special as the goals, wins and trophies.
Managers past and present have on many occasions hailed the fans as the driving force behind many a comeback or fight on the pitch.
Of course many would argue that football without fans is better than nothing at all. Not forgetting those who would rather wait it out to see it in all it’s glory as opposed to what we will get in it’s place.
Time is a strange concept. Somehow the months of 2020 have quickly flew by. Yet with everything on hold, the hours can pass slowly too. For me though, the fixtures which are now a matter of weeks away seem to be coming a bit too quick.
This isn’t to say I haven’t missed every second of supporting the reds, every kick of the ball or every single little detail I got so used to over the years. So much in fact, that it seemed incomprehensible to ever imagine a time when it didn’t exist (even if momentarily). Of course there’s the pause between the end of the season and start of the following one. International breaks etc. But this was (and still is) different. What seemed like the work of fiction became a reality and affected every part of our lives. Including taking a seat in a stadium or even watching at home.
Although a shock to the system, this decision was absolutely the correct one. Health over wealth always. So what has changed from then to now? From where I see it, we are still on high alert, still at risk and still sacrificing having a cuddle from family members to protect one another. So, however much I love and miss football itself and my team, it just doesn’t seem of the highest importance at present. Yes. There are many people currently working and putting themselves at risk. But mostly only where it is vital and they are contributing to keeping people safe, fed and providing essentials. We can survive (however difficult) without live sports. We can’t without food or health services for example.
This is why I completely support those who don’t feel comfortable to be wary or to participate at all in the completion of the season. The vile comments Troy Deeney received after voicing his concerns regarding his son are deplorable. How much do we have to talk about mental health until we accept it can affect anyone regardless of how rich or poor they are? Or their occupation? It is completely understandable for a parent to worry about putting their child at risk.
Having said all this, the attitude of putting somebody in one box alone needs to stop. It is perfectly alright to have doubts about football returning but still want to watch it. Whether out of excitement, intrigue or even to moan. Let people be. Let them navigate through these crazy times we’re living in their own way!
Have I voiced my personal thoughts on why I think it’s not necessarily of high importance to finish the season? Yes! But does this mean I won’t watch it when I can? Of course not! Forever and ever we’ll follow the boys. Even if metaphorically and not physically.
The Bundesliga had returned somewhat successfully which has made some believe that we can do the same with the English competition. Arguably, you could say there are huge differences with their handling of recent events and ours. Only time will tell what follows.
For me, football is about family. It’s about a Father taking his son to his first game and seeing the young lad’s face light up. It’s about feeling the highest of euphoria at one moment in time and being furious the next. You can’t have the rough without the smooth. Which is why Liverpool going onto (finally) lift the Premier League trophy (if they’re even allowed, who knows?) isn’t what worries me. It’s the actual risk to health. And more so the thought of if it is actually worth it.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t smile at the prospect of players linking up together again. The heart wants what it wants. I guess we will have to tentatively watch how it unfolds and hope all those involved keep safe and start to pave the way back to normality.
Ultimately, the day that football will truly be back to me is when crowds are roaring again. And families are back together to enjoy it.
Until then, it will just be a make do situation. And like anything right now, I will appreciate it for what it is and be grateful. I just hope that one day we don’t think it was too much, too soon. And the world should remember now more than ever that wealth should never come above health.
[Photo Credit: Manchester United & M.E.N]
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