It's Just a Game

The USA Men's soccer team drew 1-1 against England yesterday, much to the chagrin of England fans across the globe. The Three Lions came out strong against the Stars & Stripes, putting the Americans down 1-0 in the fourth minute. However, Steven Garrard's goal would not be the focus for discussion when the match was over.

Later in the half, USA's Clint Dempsey put a shot on goal that slipped through the England keeper's hands and rolled slowly over the line. The equalizer was the focus of sports writer's and analysts as that was the end of the scoring in the game. Robert Green, keeper for the English side, stood up and took responsibility for his mistake, yet he still suffers the wrath of the whole of England.

I understand that the harassment and verbal abuse of players on the field is part of the game - it's part of home field advantage. But when that harassment follows the players off the field, that's when it becomes a problem. How far will it go? Let's not forget Andrés Escobar, a Columbian soccer player, who was murdered after the 1994 World Cup where he accidentally scored an own-goal (scored against his own team). The gunman shouted "Goal!" each of the twelve times he pulled the trigger. I don't propose that Green's life is endanger, however, he'll be heckled by English football fans for the rest of his life.

If you think that we Americans are any better, look at how Cubs fans treated Steve Bartman after his attempted catch of a foul ball got in the way of Moises Alou trying to catch it during the 2003 National League Championship Series . They drove him out of town. In fact, it was Cubs fans treatment of Bartman that led me to abandon my loyalties to the Cubs and become a White Sox fan.

As my wife reminded me when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, "It's just a game." That's the truth. I know that most people aren't as fanatical Escobar's shooter and not all Cubs fans crucified Steve Bartman, but its sad that these things still happen. I hope for Robert Green's sake that English supporters can remember that it's just a game. Lord knows that it's enough of a burden to bear that he screwed up, he doesn't need his country piling on.