Page 2 of 2

They do not realise that teams are not simply chosen by genuine supporters, they are born out of a deeper affection. An attachment with a football club is usually a result of coming from the town or city they represent.

After all, nobody would choose to support Third Division stragglers Halifax Town, but they still attract four-figure crowds.

That may not seem many when compared to the tens of thousands who flock to Old Trafford; but it is, when you consider the Halifax goalkeeper spends more time with his head in a net than Ena Sharples.

I suggest Manchester United would have similar attendances if they were in the same position.

You wouldn’t see as many red shirts around the streets of Torquay and Walsall – and, disappointingly Leicester.

Those who wear such shirts probably couldn’t find Manchester on a map. But that does not stop them gloating at the expense of true supporters.

There is never any reason for anyone to feel superior to anyone else and a supposed allegiance to Manchester United rather than Mansfield Town is among the most appalling.

We are fortunate in Leicester that our team can now rival the big guns at the top of the Premiership, but it wasn’t always the case – and some of us still bear the scars of Monday morning taunts at school and work.

It will happen if United beat City at Filbert Street today but the true winners among the supporters are those who stayed loyal through the hard times.

Following a football team should be like a marriage, rather than a fling that means little.

The views expressed in this column are the views of the author and not necessarily the views of the Leicester Mercury.

Do you have a story for us?
Ring the HoldTheFrontPage newsdesk on
01332 291111 x6022, or to e-mail us now – click here