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Should football and politics go together?

By on October 14, 2014

The question has been begging for an answer. It has so long been a topic for debate but so often only one side of the story is considered – many come to the thought that the two shouldn’t mix. Today, we saw why. During an international Euro 2016 qualifier between Albania and Serbia, it was bound to boil over. It was the first time that the two nations have ever met after the breakup of Yugoslavia. Tensions between the two nations were such that Albanian fans were not allowed into the Serbian stadium at the request of UEFA. However, that didn’t stop the brawls that proceeded between the Serbian and Albanian players. It seemed to start out of almost nothing – a flag flown over the pith during a stoppage to clear flares, however, that further goes to show the nature of the fixture. A fifty minute stoppage for the brawl between players, coaches, substitutes, and even fans (in some cases throwing stools), proceeded with it escalating down into the tunnel, and the match would be abandoned on the verge of halftime.

This was an example of political passion representing itself as a force for bad in football. However, for many of those go tuned into the game – what was your motives? Usually, unless you are Albanian or Serbian, watching either of the two play isn’t high on your Matchday priority list. You probably tuned in because of the politics to see what would happen. Naturally, with all the passion it causes excitement. El Clasico, Real Madrid’s semi-annual league meeting with Barcelona, is not only ignited due to the two clubs’ stature, but the politics that surrounding Barca, as we reviewed earlier this week. Politics fuels passion and passion fuels excitement.

Many rivalries are fueled by politics, to some extent. Not just El Clasico, but Manchester United-Liverpool as well, do to their geographical location.

Now, politics getting in the way of the Sierra Leone Men’s national team due to the outbreak of Ebola is saddening. The answer may be – to an extent politics it welcome in football.  The way it was used as a political battlefield in Serbia is taking it way out of line.  However, in reality had that drone not been flown or, as ESPNFC mentioned, Ivan Bogdanov, who was jailed for over three years for causing Serbia’s meeting with Italy in 2010 to descend into chaos, along with others to freely walk onto the pitch, the game wouldn’t have had to been abandoned.  The original fight between players only lasted for a few seconds, video clips proved.  Had security not been breached, or at least so easily breached, then the match could have continued.  In the end it may be more down to the Serbian authorities, which UEFA had trusted to ensure the safety of the match.  It is not as if the two nations needed to be completely separated in football competition.  Once security has been breached and the battle between the 22 men on the pitch extends beyond the players, it is fair to say that politics have invaded football to an unwelcome extent.  However, passion on the pitch isn’t bad.  Heck, even a brief brawl is worth the excitement.  It should only end once it has gotten out of hand.

 

About Alex Morgan

Alex Morgan, founder of Football Every Day, lives and breaths football from the West Coast of the United States in California. Aside from founding Football Every Day in January of 2013, Alex has also launched his own journalism career and hopes to help others do the same with FBED. He covers the San Jose Earthquakes as a beat reporter for QuakesTalk.com and his work has also been featured in the BBC's Match of the Day Magazine.