It goes without saying that unless you’re English, you’ll have no clue of the immense passion that is deep-rooted in the sport of football, which has become ingrained in the nation’s culture over generations. In this article, we have listed some of the essential tips that non-native English football attendees need to know before they come to watch a football match and we’re sure that you’ll agree with the majority of them.
If you know someone who is travelling from abroad to watch a match with you, we recommend you inform them of these top tips to enhance their experience and make them feel a little more at home.
1. You can’t drink alcohol in your seat
Unlike other sporting events throughout the world, having a tipple as you watch an English football match just isn’t an option, which as stated by The Telegraph, follows a 34-year ban that was introduced back in 1985. English football fans, unfortunately, don’t have the luxury of sitting with a pint in hand as the game plays out. Instead, you can enjoy a non-alcoholic drink, such as a cup of tea, along with a pie or chips in your seat, before finding a pub after the game.
2. Learn chants
Anyone who has never been to an English football match before will probably be taken aback by the roars of shouting flooding the stadium during the game, especially when multiple chants are going around at the same time! Some are the traditional chants you may have heard before, while others may be a bit on the risky side. Be sure to learn the songs for the team you’re going to support. After all, it’s never a good idea to sing along to the opposition’s team chants.
3. Find a supporter’s pub
Surrounding the stadium, you’ll find plenty of supporter’s pubs to experience the buzz of the match before and after the game. Be aware that certain pubs are designated for ‘home’ and ‘away’ fans, for a very good reason. Also, be sure to pay attention to the colour of clothing you’re wearing. Some ‘home’ pubs could refuse you entry if you happen to be wearing the opposition’s team colours. Additionally, you can enjoy a flutter on the game while you’re in the pub by checking out popular betting sites such as Unibet to stake a bet on the upcoming match.
4. Tour the stadium
If you’re staying in the area for a while, it’s well worth a trip to take a tour around the stadium. Unlike other stadiums across the world, the British have a fascinating tradition and heritage associated with their stadiums. One example to look out for is Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester, which showcases a clock date and time that has stood still for over 60 years. This is now used as an iconic symbol to reflect the Air Munich crash of 1958 that killed many of the Manchester United team. The Guardian reported that a ceremony took place in 2018 to remember the much-loved victims.
Hmmm. It will be interesting and alluring to someone like me to experience the said culture and tradition on this site that are said to be associated with watching the English football clubs in their games in their Stadia. But personally I can’t, except a miracle happens to me at this my advanced age and cancel out other personal problems that I am having in my life to bring me to England (difficult) and I go or be taken to the Emirates Stadium to watch Arsenal live playing or attend one of their matches at away ground to watch them play so that I can have the experience in culture and tradition that are there in watching football match at the ground of an English football club. But honestly speaking, I don’t see myself having a chance now to come to England at all. So, I don’t even have the wish that could rise in me making me wanting to come to England or any overseas country anymore. For such a wish that could rise in me is all but looking to be dead. Which now stopped me from attending any local football match playing locally in the Stadium here in Zaria town where I live talkless of to travel out to Kaduna town to watch a match as I used to do in the distance past. That is the gospel truth about me now. But nevertheless, i thank God for His mercies on me as I am He Has kept me fortunate to be chanced watching Arsenal live on my TV set or any other football match in the PL or on the global stage to watch if it is aired if I have an active cable TV company subscription such as the Dstv or Startimes to watch football matches particularly the EPL on Dstv and Europa League on Startimes and any other sporting events too such as: tennis, cricket and golf despite my meager financial input to subscribe to a subscription. I am a big fan of Rafael Nadal and the Williams sisters. I like Venus a lot but I don’t dislike her sister Serena either. But it has increasingly began to look as if Venus has past it now. For, just this month at Roland Garos, the French Opens she got knocked out in the first round. Maybe she should leave the remaining of the exploits on the tennis circuit to her young sisters – Serena to continue doing the exploits for the Williams. But that’s my personal opinion anyway. Because I can’t tell Venus what to do on her tennis. I like watching Tiger Woods playing golf, especially when he is winning. It’s exciting watching him win. I also like watching cricket too, particularly the IPL where the batting is so crazy, exciting and spellbound to watch.