This is my take on the casual fan:

On one hand I can appreciate where they are coming from. I watch rugby, the F1 and basketball. I must admit I have my favourites especially in basketball when I've been a fan of the Lakers since the days of Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabaar, AC Green, James Worthy and Byron Scott. I also however concede that I'm not mad over them and these days especially do not follow their games religiously. As such, I don't get in the face of rival fans who I know take it more seriously because I know what it feels like to support a club/team and have some less serious fan, give you shit.

The issue with casual fans is that although they do no support a particular club, they will have their favourite flavour of the week. I have a strong sense of hate towards casual fans who start getting in your face when their flavour of the week beats you. They have no understanding of what it feels like to support a club from the heart. In a sense, you could compare them to a person who fears commitment. They don't want to get hurt and thus, are reluctant to give their heart to anyone. Screw them.

There are a portion of casual fans however that do claim to be big fans of their respective teams. Dig a little deeper however and you'll realise that they are superficial fans. Enter the realm of the glory hunter, a breed of fan that fears commitment but at the same time, loves to be there during the good times. They don't bother to find out more about their club because they fear that the more they know, the more they will love her, or vice versa. Why take the risk then? Let us keep this relationship casual. Sex without any expectations after. No cuddling, no talking in bed. When the sex gets bad, they look for a new mate, scoffing at those who choose to settle down and be in a commitment with just one girl. I'm sure you each know people like that. "Aiyah why settle down? So mar fan. One day sure sian one you." - the glory hunter.

Precisely.

This is my opinion on the matter.

I don't really think people hate Manchester United because they are successful. For serious football fans, i think it's because your success has given rise to the number of casual fans that support you and thus, they have little respect for your fans (of that sort). When Liverpool were dominant, I don't remember there being the same sense of hatred. I may be wrong but it's what I remember. Old timers can affirm this. In the end, I think people in general, hate arrogance or similar attributes. Success can breed contempt but it can also breed respect, depending on how you manage it. Then you have a group of people that just can't stand hearing about Man Utd anymore simply because they keep hearing the name over and over again to the point it becomes tiresome.

I think just shouting at the top of your voice isn't sufficient to qualify you as a seasoned fan. You know what they say about empty vessels? It is more an expression of your personality than your loyalty. Displaying passion is one thing, but knowledge is key.

This post has been edited by Duke Red: Apr 19 2008, 11:27 AM