oooo nice topic.
Slightly off topic:AK - you're a clown. That GF was a disgrace the moment Muscat got away with that horrid tackle
right in front of the umpire and it went form bad to worse when we had a legitimate goal (that would have changed the context of the game) disallowed.
I'd have been just as filthy after the game as Kossie etc were and I don't blame them in the slightest for having a rant. Referees and the governing body just don't like hearing the truth sometimes.
Back on topic:I think fan and supporter largely mean the same thing. I do agree with the idea of a supporter being one who forks out for (official) merchandise and regularly goes to games etc but I'm not sure I can agree that a fan isn't also a supporter because as Steve said they may simply be unable to afford to go or purchase stuff. I'd have no problem saying someone who goes out of their way to at least watch the game and cheer their team on is a supporter.
At the other end of the scale we have 'fairweather fans' who are only there when their team are winning and take off as soon as it goes bad. AK, that's exactly what you are after your comment about the GF. It disgusts me.
Examples (IMHO) of fairweather fans:
1) Spectators who leave the game early because their team is losing. You make me sick. Sit there and take it with the team. You are only making it worse. Traffic is not an excuse and you are lying.
2) Ignoring my obvious bias, a large % of Man Utd fans. If their own captain felt the need to lash out at the 'prawn sandwich brigade' then there's serious issues. As soon as things go bad for Man Utd you can bet those people won't be around. I don't think that's Man Utd's fault though, it's just a typical hopping onto bandwagon thing.
3) People who claim to have liked the Chigaco Bulls (back in the day) because Air Jordans looked cool. The very definition of 'not a fan'.
What I think a real fan/supporter does:
1) Sticks by their team no matter what. Anyone who is still a Richmond fan deserves a medal lol.
2) Accepts if their team has been beaten fair and square and gives credit where it's due. Don't have to like it, just accept it. Port fans don't seem to qualify
3) Makes the effort to either go to the game or watch it or listen on the radio or view the minute by minute or WHATEVER. Must.. support.. the team. It's important. All remote controls are belong to you.
I'm sure I've left stuff out but you get the idea. Basically, if you actually care rather than just pretending to because it's fashionable or whatever, you're both a fan and a supporter in my view.
Pardon me, but I think you'll find that's a shovel. See you next Tuesday!
