Figure 1: minutes between red cards for Fulham in league games since 08/09 and in Europa League games against AS Roma
Since the start of 08/09:
Fulham red cards in league games: 2
Fulham league games: 48
Minutes per red card in league games: 2,160
Fulham red cards in games against AS Roma: 3
Fulham games against AS Roma: 2
Minutes per red card in games against AS Roma: 60
Proof of underhandness. We had two in 48 games in the league and three in two against Roma. What are the odds?
(before you correct my logic, yes, I know. But still…)
Umberto Ecco in LAZZIO PREGO has an interesting take on Thursday’s red cards. Il Presidente did not like the POPPY DAY emblem worn by many travelling fans. Insulting to Benito and the boys in black.
Hence Presidential instruction to match officials at half – time. “Cards to match poppies.” Yellow offences thus transformed into automatic red.
QED or Lazziologic? Either way we were harshly treated by police, stewards and the referee. Being Fulham however we managed to sing on “You’ve only got 12 men!”
As Umberto Ecco pointed out – If the Mafia and Il Presidente are in bed with Roma the song ought to go “you’ve only got BENT men”
So be it – even with rough justice on the pitch and manifold delays plus petty diversions,searches/incoveniences off the pitch………it was a huge perfomance by the Fulham fans.
In 58 years of following the Fulham around the grounds (1951-2009) I can’t remember better banter or better singing.
To come perhaps Mr and Mrs Pensioner on CHOIR POWER and the alchemy of the terraces but for now genug ist genug and so to bed.
Comment by Pensioner — November 8, 2009 @ 7:23 am |
It would be an interesting project to determine why singing has almost died out as a pastime (e.g. at family gatherings, in the pub) but survives maybe only in church and amongst sports crowds and perhaps occasionally at rock concerts. That’s in western societies anyway. Even in places with a strong singing tradition like Ireland, it is no longer the norm for people to sing traditional songs to each other. Probably the simple explanation is TV, but I think there is a bit more to it – the rise of materialism and individualism and globalisation and all that. I was in a lefty, community choir for a while, and there is a huge ‘buzz’ to be had from singing in a group of people with a common bond. I’m sure that’s what happens ‘on the terraces’. Sounds like the Roma trip was just such an experience. 58 years eh? Well done.
Comment by Mike H — November 8, 2009 @ 10:55 am |
Sing a song for Fulham? Yes and why not but just which song? I recall an amusing attemot by Jimmy Hill to organise a sing off between various possible songs for Wembley in ‘75
“Down by the Riverside” against “Old Father Thames” we gave it half-hearted support but settled for “Viva El Fulham” which was featured in Roma. The usual tribute Chairman MO, the Chelsea ritual, cottage by the river etc as always
but suddenly Carlisle net which caught on and rang round and Roma. At Athens in the Intertoto “Jimmy Conway on the wing” was revived. Who decides which to attempt and why do X and Y go so well at away games but never featyre at home?
Who came up with “You’ve only got 12 men”? Apt and secured loud chorus after chorus.
I do not remember many matches when “hymn” sheets have been issued and we still do not really have an anthem such as Play up Pompey, Bubbles, Delilah.
Cometh the hour cometh the melody? Certainly ample quantity and quality in Rome.
Same again please for the crunch encounters with Blackburn/Bolton/Sunderland.
Comment by Pensioner — November 8, 2009 @ 8:17 pm |