In an era where the dynamics of football fandom are as more diverse than ever, former Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has once again captured the public’s attention for his passionate defence of international football fans.
Known for his straightforward approach and often leaving journalists grappling for words, Postecoglou’s recent comments in response to a journalist’s critique of “plastic fans” have gone viral, resonating with supporters worldwide.
Ange Postecoglou, who led Celtic to a double and a treble during his tenure before moving to Tottenham Hotspur last summer, has always been a figure of respect and admiration among the Celtic faithful.
His ability to articulate the essence of football’s universal appeal has once again put him in the spotlight, this time for standing up against the categorisation of fans based on their geographic location or the duration of their support.
In a candid response to a question that hinted at a disdain for perceived “plastic fans,” Postecoglou delivered a powerful message that underscores the inclusivity that football, at its core, should always promote. His words not only defended fans from far-reaching corners of the globe but also highlighted the unfairness in labeling enthusiasts based on their ability to attend games in person.
“That’s really harsh – and I’ll tell you why, because I’m probably plastic and touristy because I was coming from the other side of the world, really passionate about football and if I could get access to see a Premier League game that was the world to me.” [Youtube]
“So to label people ‘plastic’ or ‘tourists’ I don’t think that’s fair just because people live on the other side of the world. This football club has supporters all over the world. It has supporters all over the UK who don’t always get access to the games and I think we should always be able to accommodate them.
“It doesn’t make them any less passionate and it’s really disrespectful to call fans who are willing to go to the expense of coming halfway round the world. You don’t know how passionate they are about their football club. Maybe they have only started supporting it in the last two years – but that doesn’t diminish who they are.”
Postecoglou’s words have struck a chord not only with Spurs fans but with football supporters universally, reminding everyone that passion for football transcends geographical boundaries. The essence of being a fan is rooted in love for the game and the team, not the proximity to the stadium or the frequency of attendance.
Some will disagree with that, most likely the people who attend games and believe that there is some sort of hierarchy of supporters. If you’re all in, you’re all in.
