Love is madness

SME
On My Responsibility
Alialbasha540@gmail.com
Ali Al-Basha
When Al-Muharraq and Al-Ahli clubs in Bahrain enjoy a local fan base that is passed down from generation to generation, from father to son, this means that loyalty cannot be bought; rather, it is rooted in the heart, while artificial loyalty is driven by financial temptations. Wherever there is an increase, they follow it!
I remember that fans of both clubs used to, and some still do, follow the teams to cheer, even without having their own means of transportation, even in a time when public transport wasn’t as extensive as it is today. Their loyalty is heartfelt. Some fans would even contribute to the transfer of a distinguished player to their club.
Even in the era of professional football, it is extremely difficult to see these fans transferring from stars born in their clubs and then leaving them. Moreover, many of these fans remain loyal to the two major clubs, despite their regional clubs. Whether in villages or cities, they have become competitors in similar competitions. It is said in proverbs that madness is an art. The Bulgarian construction worker, Zda Vkov, was so mad that he tattooed the Manchester United logo on his forehead. He fought a legal battle to have his name, “Manchester Zdravkov,” be used to benefit Zhov United. He received special treatment from the club’s management in recognition of his loyalty and madness. There may be Arabs like him, but not to the point of tattooing their foreheads or bodies. Their love stems from a special loyalty and is deeply rooted to the point of anger within the home. They don’t accept their team losing and engage in mourning and lamentation, to the point of affecting their living conditions. It is difficult to accept a loss with a sporting spirit. Sportsmanship is essential even in the darkest of circumstances, and a sporting culture exists within club loyalty. Ultimately, there must be a winner and a loser. Tears of sadness, excessive anger, and attacks on fans of rival teams cannot undo a loss. Rather, it creates alienation among the masses in one country.