On Saturday afternoon, I watched my team Fulham F.C. get obliterated at Craven Cottage 3-0 by Swansea City. It was safe to say I was furious, angry and upset at our display, despite how good a team Swansea have been this season, it annoyed the life out of me. To make matters worse, I made the decision to watch the Six Nations Ireland versus England rugby match on RTÉ live at Twickenham. Ireland were soundly beaten by the English and thoroughly outclassed on the day. It was just a bad day at the office until a tragic event at White Heart Lane put my little tantrum and silly selfishness into perspective.
23-year old Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba suffered a cardiac arrest on the field and from what I have heard from people who were watching, that they were certain that he had died then and there on the field. But miraculously he survived that trauma but is still fighting for his life in intensive care. Over the years as a football fan, names like Marc-Vivien Foé, Miklós Fehér, Antonio Puerta and Dani Jarque have stuck in the memory as players who tragically lost their lives on the field and on Saturday night, I thought there was going to be another name added to that list. I wish all the best to Mr. Muamba and his family at this time. What this event has highlighted more than anything is how football fans can unite as a force of good and positivity and the heartfelt notes and kind words for Mr. Muamba was nothing short of astonishing.
Football supporters have more often than not received bad press for their antics; racist chants, fighting, throwing stuff, all sorts of carry-on by the minority has so often overshadowed the vast majority. At White Hart Lane on Saturday, a group of supporters who are well known for their fierce loyalty to Spurs united in chants of "Muamba" to the fallen player, unaware of how seriously the man was hurt. It was a touching gesture and highlights the vast majority can overshadow the disgusting minority. Even a team I have openly criticized for their lack of kindness and overly-aggressive behaviour in the past, Real Madrid, made a point to wear shirts offering their thoughts to both Muamba, and Barcelona player Eric Abidal, who will have to undergo a liver transplant this week. So often in sport, we let fierce passion cloud our judgement and say or do horrible things all in the name of winning or trying to get one over on the opposition. But, on Saturday night, life and football were put on the stage together and when it came down to it, only one thing ever really mattered.
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