Readers have responded to a recent article about football fans who support more than one club, sharing their own stories of divided loyalties.
Michael Opitz's Confession
Michael Opitz, from Kelso, Roxburghshire, says he read the article with empathy and unease about the taboo of supporting multiple clubs. He describes being at the Millwall v Forest game marred by crowd trouble, which was his first. His family are mostly Millwall fans, and Millwall remains his club, but as they dropped down the divisions, he was drawn to better technique and has a soft spot for both Tottenham and Arsenal, much to the confusion of his friends.
His family in Germany gave him a Freiburg shirt, making them his German team, and a Champions League ticket at Celtic Park added another team to his list. Now in the Borders, he plans to watch Gala Fairydean Rovers, adding yet another team to follow. When asked which team he supports, he sheepishly says, “Millwall but…” concluding, “I suppose I just love football!”
Neil Bage's Firm Stance
Neil Bage, from Bourne, Lincolnshire, argues that while a man may change his wife, political views, or religion, he must never change his football allegiance, especially for glory-hunting, or he'll be known as a plastic fan.
Ariel Friedlander's Loyalty to QPR
Ariel J Friedlander, from Modena, Italy, wishes he could change teams but cannot. He likens his loyalty to Queen Mary I's last words: “when I am dead and opened you shall find my blue and white hooped heart.” He sticks with QPR despite their rocky record, because of the memories with his father and the bond with the fans. He understands the article's author may feel it's too much, and plans to wave at him at the Millwall game.
