This article appeared in the Chicago Tribune yesterday. Whilst I realize that every has an opinion this twat is just plain ignorant. Needless to say I am putting pen to paper to this rag and would be happy to include any comments.

The soccer boys tried to sneak one past us during Super Bowl week. You were probably in the middle of reading the 92nd installment of the Kerry Collins Story ("The halitosis years") and didn't notice a Swedish lawmaker had nominated the sport of soccer for the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. For those of us who watch from afar as soccer struggles to decide on an identity--does it want to be a street brawl, a spectator stampede or simply a twisted tangle of collapsed stadium stands?--this is a little surprising, like learning Stone Cold Steve Austin is up for a Harvard fellowship. "Soccer has and will continue to play an important role in the global arena, when it comes to creating understanding between people," Lars Gustafsson wrote in his nomination letter. Here is the understanding, as far as I can tell: Go to a match in Europe or South America, take a wrong turn out of the stadium and watch your chances of getting kneecapped by a mob of soccer hooligans improve from 25-1 to 3-1. Gustafsson believes his sport promotes international goodwill, but unless he means it helps keep police across the world in fighting shape, he has been living in a domed stadium built for one. He must not have been paying attention to a match last year in Denmark, a country next to his. Before and after England's Arsenal played Turkey's Galatasaray in the European soccer title game, 23 fans were injured and 64 people were arrested during rioting. Police in Copenhagen were armed and ready because a month earlier, two fans from England had been killed in Turkey. It probably doesn't help Gustafsson's cause that in October, Pope John Paul II went on record condemning violence and racism at soccer stadiums. This is like being nominated for an Academy Award and having Meryl Streep call you a dinner-playhouse hack. More fun soccer news in a Dec. 17 report from England: "In what police believe was prearranged violence, fans of Sheffield United and Sheffield fought in the city center. Thirty-three people were arrested." I see this as the next frontier of soccer, with thugs setting up schedules, finding sponsors and hosting pregame festivities ("The Tournament of Riot Gear Parade: The Godfather of Them All"). The list of violent acts by fans and players goes on and on like, well, a soccer match. On Dec. 3 in Torino, Italy, Juventus fans threw chairs and rocks at police after a tie with Internazionale. Police responded with the time-honored tradition of launching tear-gas canisters. On Dec. 21, police in France arrested a man for throwing a firecracker at a lineswoman, who was carried off the field holding the side of her head. On Dec. 18, a Dutch mob rioted for three days after police shot and killed a fan during a brawl. More? In Moscow, a teenager is stabbed to death after a soccer match. In Ireland, a player is charged with throwing a punch and killing a goalkeeper. In Uruguay, a coach and six players spend nine days in jail after a fight in the national championships. Ethnic slurs, hand-to-hand combat, destruction of property--and that's just before a breakfast of muesli and schnapps. In Cadiz, Spain, the president of a third-division team was attacked in the stands by fans for--and I think we've all been there--running a lame franchise. We in Chicago might feel like getting physical at times, but we rarely act on our impulses. Instead, we write letters to the editor, and they get edited for length and clarity. "I shouldn't have to put up with the behavior of a group of mad men," said Cadiz's president, Rafael Mateo, in this case referring to the fans, not the editors. No, Mateo shouldn't, but, as they say in international soccer, "these things happen." Peace, love and understanding are concepts. Concrete reality is the 1964 riot in Lima, Peru, in which 309 people were killed and another 1,000 were injured. It began when a goal was disallowed in an Olympic qualifying match between Peru and Argentina. Mr. Gustafsson, with all due respect, you need to lay off the headers during competition. In the meantime, consider this a cautionary tale: In Isfahan, Iran, last year, a soccer match was suspended when a stray dog sent players "running for their lives," according to the Doran-e-Emrouz newspaper. The dog attacked a referee, who defended himself with his flag and "finally fought it off after a tense 20-minute standoff." Soccer brings out the beast in all of us.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Answers

still upset!!!!!!!!!!1

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Who is the author? Let's organise some hate mail and a mob to go and do him over until he agrees what a peaceful lot we are.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

When the writer's standpoint is from that of an American Football fan you can expect him to have trouble understanding. If you play a game which nobody else cares about you end up playing with yourself.

To put it delicately, he might have less chance of contracting sexually transmitted diseases this way, but he's still a wanker ;-)

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Hmm - no mention of the riots in US (LA or 'cisco I think) after some little local games last year? Of course, soccer football isn't so important as AF. I mean, we only have our World Cup once every four years, compared to the Good o'd US of A's World Series which happens every year and whose organisers are so slick that they can easily weed out the rubbish teams and limit it to those (in the US of A) who have a real chance of winning.

I think that American Football, Baseball, National League Hockey and Basketball are all much higher contenders for the Nobel Award. I mean, they even provide so many moments when spectators can indulge in social activity - like making a cup of tea (sorry, coffee), or watching teenage girls clad in flimsy outfits prance arround (well, its safer than them staying at school), or simply watching the endless ads on TV. Far more humane than soccer.

And let's remember the players too. That nice Mr Simpson, for example. He was a stalwart chap wasn't he? He even took time to star alongside Leslie Neilson, delaying his chance to kill his wife. Very humane.

I don't know how you sane folks live in that country.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Actually I think this guy has a valid point. Soccer can't win a prize for promoting world peace. OK so he picked out all the nasty bits, but how often do rival fans embrace each other with open arms? About as often as they hurl abuse at each other?

Are those Man U fans going to the game tonight going to walk around the streets of London looking for Chelsea fans to make friends with?

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

That should have been Man U fans at Sunderland and NUFC fans at Chelsea ... silly me

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

This person is a complete twat. The MVP of sundays sooperbowel was up on double murder charges last year (mysteriously dropped) another football star just got 18 years for having someone kill his girlfriend. Every day some player is in the papers in reference to spousal abuse, racial abuse, drug charges etc,etc. The issue I have is that he just doesn't get that football (soccer) is a world sport. Yet they continue to name things like World champions or the world series. More people watch the world cup than both the superbowl and the world series combined. Thick twat.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Wrong Syme. He's a thick parochial twat.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Every day some player is in the papers in reference to spousal abuse, racial abuse, drug charges etc,etc.

And that's just the Dallas Cowgirls. ;-) Add in the rest of the NFL, NBA, NHL(what about the guy thrown out after nearly killing another player buy whacking him upside the head with his stick?!), Baseball,etc

Very ignorant piece of 'journalism'. The guy clearly has nothing to do since the Bears haven't had a championship winning side in how many years. And if he wants to see crumbling stadia, he need go no further than some of the place in his own country. Foxboro, MA....PIT! Even the players can't wait to see it demolished. Seattle Kingdome...PIT! That one was demolished a year or so ago.

As to your comment, Screach.....why do you think I want out so badly?!!!! ;-))

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

That's it, I am leavin'. I'll give you a copy of the letter I send this sad F***.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

I don't see any reference to these American sports as being better contenders for a wold peace prize though Syme. He just points out that Soccer isn't a good contender.... or have I missed something.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

oops - sorry chaps but I agree with him.

Not in the sanctimonious way he puts it, the jerk, but he's bloody right that football has NEVER promoted peace & harmony between nations. Any of us who've been to away matches - especially England ones - know of the hate and racism following our game. To put Footy up for a peace prize is ridiculous in the extreme.

He still sounds like a wanker tho'....

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

I think the fella has a point
The sport of soccer should not get the 2001 Nobel Peace Prize. I found the behaviour of the English 'footy fans' at Euro 2000 bad enough for England to be banned from international footy for 10 years. Did anyone see that documentary on the telly.


-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Not disagreeing about Soccer hardly being an example of promoting world peace, but that gets lost in this moron's attack and is sadly too typical of American sports writers. They're all too quick to point out the bad side and try to scare people, while completely ignoring the fact that the 'popular' American sports are hardly examples of peace, love, and understanding. It rankles even more to people here who are true fans of soccer and want to see it get publicity. MLS is the b@st@rd child of major league sports here. And because the future fan base is the thousands of kids playing the sport, MLS has created a far more family friendly atmosphere than any other sport, while still setting aside sections for the adults who want to sing, swear, jump around and wave their colors. The last thing we need is that kind of ignorant journalism scaring parents. Rant mode off...

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

I have missed the point, blinded by an attack on the game I love. No football should never be awarded anysort of peace prize. I found it objectionable due to the content of what he was saying. Glass houses and all that stuff, American Football, baseball and the NBA are nothing more then media juggernauts compiled for those that can afford it. For instance when the Chicago Bears play Green Bay (which is 1 1/2 hours away) the number of bears fans travelling would be minute. It's a whole cultural thing, which Yanks can't get a handle on.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Having been to a few baseball / football / basketball games in the States, I was very impressed with the (cliche coming up) family atmosphere. I never once felt threatened, the banter against the opposition was 'gentle' (none of the hate & swearing we always get), and the kids loved every minute.

I took my son to a couple of NUFC away games here and the language was fekkin appalling. We all love it, we all join in, but I'll think again before I put my son through that again, Also, running the gauntlet to get back to the car in one piece scard the shit out of the little 'un.

We've nowt to be proud of, and if going more 'American' takes the hate out of our game at the expense of a little atmosphere, then I for one reluctantly would agree to take that path.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

So basically the gripe is that MLS is being slagged off by American sports journalists. When you feel it is more of a family sport than traditional American 'World' Sports

Got it now !

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Rik - who's answer was the above directed at? I'm losing the thread here!

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

The American (can I call them that without getting abuse) contributors (Syme and Ciara) are upset at the journalist who wrote the piece at the top. I wondered why at first but now realise why they were annoyed.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Rick sonna, please don't call me American. I am a geordie, born and bred in a heaton. Had to come over here for a job is all.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Think I got out on the wrong side of the bed today, seem to be upsetting everyone, except Screecher that is.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

BTW, Syme / Ciara, can you recomend any promising up and coming young American soccer players It's for CHAMPIONSHIP MANAGER like.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

I must admit I was puzzled by the attack on the article Syme as Football can't be a candidate for any Peace prize. I take your's and Ciara's point though about American sport.

I think it's a real shame that Football isn't a proper contender for such an award. When you have World Cups or European competitions these seem like the ideal opportunity to bring together people of different cultures/nations and share in the enjoyment of the beautiful game.

I recall the last home derby I saw against Sunderland was the 1-0 in the promotion season. I was quite frankly disgusted to see that the Mackems had to be escorted like a column of POW's from station to stadium by police. Personally I find that a very sad reflection on both sets of fans. I think it's time for a culture change amongst fans but I've no idea how it can be brought about.

We should be able to discuss the game with opposition fans before and after the game in terms of friendly rivalry. Personally, I'm there to shout for my team and not rub the other guy's nose in it if we're successful. And if we football fans in general could unite on certain issues affecting our game, perhaps we could tackle the likes of Sky, football agents, players who abuse contracts etc, and other phenomena which are ruining the game that we pay for. So I'm all for peace amongst fans (before and after the match) but sadly can't see it happening. If it could it would be a very powerful force for peace.

Maybe I should just have my testosterone levels checked out ...

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Rik, I take great offense at being called 'American'. But then again, until I get one of them dodgy Euro passports next time I'm in Tesco's(next time I'm in Toon)...I guess I'll just have to live with it. ;-)

As to young American players...not sure how CM rates em, but try Bobby Convey, Ben Olsen, Jamar Beasley, Damarcus Beasley, Adin Brown. There's more but that's just off the top of my head.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

Thanks Ciara, sorry for calling you an American, I'll make amends by picking up an EU passport for you as soon as they start selling them in Aldi. Tesco's is too expensive for me.

Looks like Jonno's the only one on here that I haven't ofended today, Sorry to all,

Off home to play with myself.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

I just wonder if any sport could really be a contender for peacefully bringing different nationalities together. That's supposed to be the ideal of the Olympics, but then you've got Munich(72?) and the bombing in Atlanta. There's idiots everywhere and they'll use any opportunity to get attention. :-(

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

>>>>>Looks like Jonno's the only one on here that I haven't ofended today

I strongly object to being singled out for this kind of comment ...

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

He does make some valid points, but as an argument, it is completely BIASED.

He overlooks the fact that Football (or Soccer to the ignorant) IS the most popular sport in the world and a major pastime for millions.

American Football (Yeah right, hardly ever touches their hands) is a good game in its own right but why the inferiority complex from the AF fan? Doesn't he know that "soccer" is the fastest growing sport in the US (last year it was anyway, according to ITN).

Yes there are problems with violence, but most of the violence is not a direct result of football. Football is such a big thing now that each match is a major event and troublemakers instinctively gather at major events.

True, football has never promoted peace and harmony really, but has any sport? Whenever there is an ounce of competitiveness involved, there is always a big chance of peace and harmony being disrupted.

"Go to a match in Europe or South America, take a wrong turn out of the stadium and watch your chances of getting kneecapped by a mob of soccer hooligans improve from 25-1 to 3-1" That is a big exaggeration. My uncle's mate lives in Spain and goes to a lot of Spanish and Portuguese matches over there and never has any bother at all. Trouble does sometimes happen, but most of the time it's fine.

In a way, the article is written from an "us and them" point of view, the American Football fans being "us" and the football fans being "them". In a way, it's slightly racist, but if I was you I wouldn't reply to it. It has been written to provoke response and by not writing back, he becomes the loser.

He is a twat though.

-- Anonymous, January 31, 2001

"Go to a match in Europe or South America, take a wrong turn out of the stadium and watch your chances of getting kneecapped by a mob of soccer hooligans improve from 25-1 to 3-1"

Well the chance of meeting soccer hooligans is pretty likely to rise at an actual soccer match, isn't it. Next thing he'll bring us the shocking statistic that you are far more likely to be killed in a plane crash if you actually board an aeroplane. Knobhead.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

Nick, You've clearly never been to a night baseball game at Yankee Stadium in NYC - strange odours in the air! An all round scary experience.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

Dat's da South Bronx all the time, Clarky! ;-))

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

I guess that the response to his article was huge, he was lambasted from left to right about it. In his response he was apologetic that he had stirred up so much emotion on a sport on which he readily admits he knows very little.

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001

Late as usual but hope to contribute something: Syme, I read an almost identicle article in the NY Times this weekend- this can't be a coincidence (conspiracy?). Times version ended with the author saying that no sport would be fit for any peace prize except perhaps hockey which always ends with players shaking hands regardless of how many times the gloves came off during the game. He brought up the Sarajevo match and how it was only friendly because of the military presence. He mentioned Leeds, actually the backround photo was one of Leeds players walking off the field in Turkey.

I've been to countless baseball games, about 20-30 MLS matches, over 100 basketball games and a few NFL games and the only time I ever felt any fear was at the Metrostars-Galatasaray friendly a few years ago. Even at the Mets-Yankees subway series which was won by the Yankees inside the Mets' Shea Stadium, the worst was "Yankees suck! - Mets suck!" and a few drunks laying unconscious on the ground.

I have 2 daughters, the oldest is 3 and almost ready to join me at some sporting event in the near future. I will not worry much about her because there are so many other children at sporting events here. Of course I have to worry about worse things than violence and bad language like kidnapping(!) but basically there are no fireworks (except Independance day) and no flying objects here.

Now if you asked me where would I rather be, I would probably answer at a soccer match in europe because I have some idea of what is a good match and what and where to avoid. I would not go to the away section in a Burundi-Congo World Cup qualifier nor would I have gone to the Leeds match in Istanbul if they had allowed me to. Actually I would avoid Turkey altogether but that's another story.

You will never hear of someone committing suicide because his team lost. There is too much money to be made here and that's why most of us are here or still here(an opinion). Here, when your team loses you sometimes jump on the winning bandwagon. For the record, I would never do this - I would rather kill myself!

-- Anonymous, February 01, 2001