The beauty of football, for me, has always been how human it is: from the physical to the emotional. In a world that is becoming increasingly virtual, with robots and other automation taking the tangible and organic aspect out of so much of our lives, it’s something to treasure.
But, we’re bringing the non-human element deeper into our game. From VAR to nerds with stats as their only lense on proceedings, it’s taking away so much of the raw beauty of not just the sport, but the culture too.
I started going to games in 1989/90. Even then, the raw human energy and passion from the pitch to the stands, outside the ground and inside too, as well as the punditry - which was far more interesting and far less sanitised - all helped to give football an edge and an excitement, as well as the type of emotion and feeling that is so hard to find elsewhere.
Modern football is shit by all accounts. Everything has become dull, sanitised, consistent and bland, with more and more value placed on results and excessive analytics. It’s becoming a sport for armchair mathematicians. It’s also become a corporate game for the international super rich, with little legitimate connection between owners and fans.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love Spurs and I’ll still be going to games. But, when the last few decent old grounds - like Goodison - disappear, when the European super leagues take shape and supporters are all choreographed by club-funded happy clapping teddy bears, and competitive games start being played in New York, Beijing and Riyadh, then I’ll probably pack it in as a match going fan.
Frankly, once - if (!) - I see us win the league or the European Cup with my own eyes, I’ll definitely give up the modern game.
CSB etc I know, but just the ramblings of a rapidly ageing lover of proper football.