After events of the last week or so, it has been difficult to write or think about anything meaningful. Sport has since been described as “a glorious irrelevance”, and football as “the most important of unimportant things” (Carlo Ancelotti). So in the grand scheme of things, broaching any sort of subject in the shadow of such horrific scenes in Paris has taken on new significance. It has always been this author’s perspective that sport was so much more than a superficial pastime; it has been an activity or exercise that has provided value to any and all who engage in it, whether that be through spectating or participating. However, when a tragedy takes place, those affected will often ask the question ‘what is the purpose of life?’, ‘Why has this happened?’, and ‘What is the point?’ Does sport and politics mesh well together?
This is where sport, and football, often comes into a realm of its own. It brings communities and society together, but in times like these politicians weigh in and contaminate the healthy intentions of those involved in sport.
Politicians respond to public fear with rhetoric around normality. ‘We must continue with our lives as normal and not let the terrorists win’ is a common directive from elected officials; we must not give up. This enforces the idea that maintaining the status quo is success; carrying on with our daily routines is a victory against those who wish to upheave our lives due to a distorted ideology. As such, the England vs France match last Tuesday epitomised this message and reinforced the belief that if those who wish to hurt us do not see us bleed, weep or mourn, then we are stronger because of it. By playing out an insignificant friendly, the terrorists will see that they did not and cannot hurt us, they cannot win.
Instead, what this author saw was a façade. A beautiful façade where two diverse populations came together and showed solidarity in times of darkness, but nevertheless it served to hide and deceive the public. It was, ultimately, a distraction. A distraction when the public needed to mourn, when the public needed to look inward, digest and understand what is an ever-unravelling situation. Sadly, sport has often been used in this manner.
Investigations continue, battles in the street of Paris linger, terrorists and ‘masterminds’ remain at large. In amongst this, football matches, tennis tournaments, cricket series continue and fans continue to revel in high quality sport. Yet, in times of suffering, football matches like that which took place at Wembley, can do more harm than good. Players, fans, coaching staff, and the media are still hurting, still fearful, still confused. By partaking in sport so soon after the event, no one has time to reflect on what has happened. It is left to the ‘authorities’ to investigate, understand, and act. The public can merely watch on and go with the flow – for that is their duty as citizens of the state.
Let me be clear, the match took place under the right premise, but in the wrong circumstances. It would be wonderful for sport to stay separate from politics but understandably it is wielded as a weapon against those who wish to harm civilisation as we know it. It carries a new meaning and significance when tragedies take place. It becomes a beacon of hope, a reflection of western ideals and democracy. Regardless of your opinion on the subject, sport thus becomes the primary recipient of such horror, as seen by attempts to infiltrate the Stade de France on that Friday evening as France hosted Germany.
Sport, and football in particular, is a source of unity and togetherness; the epitome of liberty. But it is also a place for happiness, entertainment, and an escape from reality. This is the magic of sport. It is whatever we make of it, whatever we want it to be.
Football is often heralded as the people’s game; as such it should remain untouched by individuals seeking to use it for their own ideological ends. Please leave it unsullied, for the sake of humanity. It is one of the few remaining institutions void of overt religion, ideology, and boundaries.
For that, we love it.
