So we are out of the Carling Cup at the 3rd stage after a 2-1 defeat to Premier League Liverpool. No disgrace in that whatsoever, especially when you consider the performance in the second half and the fact we have two more important games just around the corner. Leeds on Friday and of course our rivals Palace on Tuesday.
There were many talking points from the match, but the one which seems to have struck up the most debate is the return of Steven Gerrard. The debate is nothing to do with his comeback after a six month layoff, or indeed his performance as a second half substitute. No, in actual fact the main talking point seems to be the reception he got from us, the Brighton fans.
He, along with other Liverpool subs were warming up along the touchline right in front of the PA box where I am positioned, when suddenly I witnessed something I have never seen at an Albion game before. Despite the fact he has never played for us (or even against us), and has no ties whatsoever to the club, a large section of the Albion fans started to clap him! He responded in kind in between stretches and lunges and the applause seemed to grow larger and larger. At first glance this was a most bizarre situation and I wasn't sure how to react to it. In the end I succumbed to the fact that this was a nice gesture on both parts.
Gerrard is one of the finest players this country has produced in recent years and although the 'Golden Generation' failed to deliver much whilst wearing the three lions, Gerrard has still been an ever-present for our country. We don't often get to play against teams which contain England International players, let alone a team whose captain has worn the Three Lions a total of 89 times during his career.
Bottom line is that he wasn't being applauded as the captain of Liverpool, I'm pretty sure of that. He was in fact being applauded as an England International and I have no problem with that.
The main thing is that we don't get to play against these players week in, week out and it would be an entirely different matter if we were on an even keel. If that was a Premier League fixture I genuinely doubt that the applause would have occurred, or at least it would not have been as vigorous. So no offence Stevie G, but I really hope we meet again next season and this time there will be no need for the applause!
I clapped Gerrard because he's been a truly great English player (and as you say we don't see them every week). I think Albion fans should take great credit that we're above the myopic and graceless view that we should boo the opposition's best players or at best ignore what they have contributed to the game.
ReplyDeleteOf course, this isn't a problem in cricket where we celebrate the opposition's good scores and quality shots. Anyone who thinks that football is half the game cricket is when it comes to being gentlemanly is of course having a laugh. We should learn from them.
Want less cheating in football, more respect for referees, more fair play etc. Then maybe you should start the ball rolling yourself - I did.