When I was a 14 year old boy, I had to take systems and control at school. A boring, dull technology subject which I had as little interest as I do with the ins and outs of TOWIE. I was forced to learn about circuit boards and the wonders of burning huge solder balls, this was largely due to the cruel technology status of my secondary school. My teacher, Ms Murphy – for reasons I’m not sure of – couldn’t stand me. Frequently ignoring the Russell Howard nonsensical heckles from the chavs, but sending me out for asking to borrow a pen off my also long suffering friend, Martin. Only when my dad had a word did she stop acting like a twisted transistor.
My whole ‘systems ordeal’ seems to run true with the recent, frankly ridiculous, actions by FIFA regarding the suitability of poppies on England’s home strip for this Saturdays friendly against Spain. Since 2005, teams throughout the divisions in England have worn poppies, to show their ties with the British legion, and to celebrate the peace treaty that ended WW1 and remember the brave people who have lost their lives in previous wars. FIFA stated last week that they would not let the national team do the same, a decision they have since made a Murphy esque U-turn on, making them look weaker than a teacher with vendetta against 2 teenage boys.
Their reason? Poppies are too political and are therefore offensive. Poppies are not us saying, “fuck all dem haters, we won da war, we r da best!” Far from it, and I can’t help but think FIFA knows this- they just have a case of the Ms Murphy’s. Sepp Blatter seems to resent the English game and all its wacky arrogant traditions like poppies. I remember watching the Manchester United Barcelona final in 2009 and you cannot tell me Blatter wouldn’t have celebrated like a prepubescent teenager who just got away with buying Zoo if he didn’t feel this way (bitter Man Utd fan).
In the past week, the lizard PM, ½ of Katie and Wills, heroic war heroes and even footballers have been up in arms about FIFA dismissing the poppy on the grounds that it is too political. And yes you can say, “Instead of wearing a Poppy, why don’t the England team show their support by donating a week’s wages to the British Legion?” BUT that’ll never happen and this is about national pride and stopping murphyisms.
Finally after a week of David Cameron trying to furrow his brow – impossible with his waxy forehead – FIFA have given in. This is a great day for England. Not only are we able to honour past soldiers in a NON POLITICAL WAY, we did it through complaining. Yes, it was through someone in power, but we still haven’t lost our ability to moan (The obvious thing there is to do would’ve been to compare David Cameron to my dad but that isn’t happening. No way)
By Mark Linsdell
Tags: comment, england, fa, fifa, football, kate and wills, poppy appeal
Trent Comment: Football poppie debate