As British football deals with the prospect of an icy weekend, how do you cope with a potential call-off?
Could be the scene this weekend. (via the guardian.co.uk)
By Rob Boulton.
Football supporters will be cherishing modern technology this weekend as it allows them to check weather forecasts, traffic news and fixture lists to make sure their planned trips to attend a game aren’t disrupted in any way. Something fans of yesteryear didn’t have at their disposal, making the fan of the thousands’ loyal ventures to the furthest reaches of the British Isles even more commendable.
With no mobile phones, the trusted radio was the main source of information – though games could often be called off at very late notice resulting in hundreds of miles and many hours of wasted travel to arrive at an empty ground. It amazes me that the producers of the National Lampoon’s movies never saw this as the perfect opportunity to send Chevy Chase and his family motoring across America to watch a big Baseball or NFL game only to arrive to a snow-covered stadium and huge, empty car parks. Resulting in much hilarity as we follow their arduous and ultimately doomed adventure!
Quite rightly, supporter safety is now of paramount importance and the police and football authorities will call off a game if a team and its supporters have to travel long distances in difficult weather conditions. Also there needs to be assurances that public transport will be available after the game and stadium areas are safe for large crowds. It’s a tough call for them to make as nobody likes to see matches postponed without good reason, and, with a fixture list already heavily congested, any lost games can be very tricky to reschedule. However, with so much information now easily available it does help making these decisions much easier and ultimately supporters accept the decisions are made in the best interests of safety for everybody.
Dig out the thermal socks, winter jacket and bobble hat if you’re venturing to a match this weekend, this is where you truly earn your colours as a supporter.
If a game is in doubt due to the weather, how do you go about preparing for it? Tweet us @talkingbaws or comment below. Watch out for Gino’s blog tomorrow.
