What is the big deal with this overrated sport where others can't pay tribute to a great man?  >:(

What is the big deal with this overrated sport where others can't pay tribute to a great man?  >:(


I'm not sure what the deal with the story is.. but you have to remember there is a real Catholic Protestant divide in Scotland.

In Glasgow there are two soccer teams (which by the way isn't an overrated sport  ;)) Glasgow Celtic (The Catholic team) and Glasgow Rangers (the Protestant Team) needless to say there is a LOT of Bad Blood.

I expect this plays in to it a lot..

Not everyone thinks he was a great man.  Some might have thought Soccer more important than his funeral.  Heck, they are showing replays over and over.  

We'll if I were a Catholic in Scotland, I would certainly be respectful when their leaders have passed on. But then again, it depends on the evironment you've been raised in. ::)
I'm not sure what the deal with the story is.. but you have to remember there is a real Catholic Protestant divide in Scotland.

In Glasgow there are two soccer teams (which by the way isn't an overrated sport  ;)) Glasgow Celtic (The Catholic team) and Glasgow Rangers (the Protestant Team) needless to say there is a LOT of Bad Blood.

I expect this plays in to it a lot..

Many people don't think the Pope was a great man. But they would have probably did the same thing had the PM of Scotland died. It's hooliganism IMHO because I do not understand why games and politics take presidence over a man's life. 
Not everyone thinks he was a great man.  Some might have thought Soccer more important than his funeral.  Heck, they are showing replays over and over.  

The Pope was a man. Men die. When I die, regardless of whatever i may or may not achieve in this life, I don't expect nor believe that the world will halt to mourn my passing. Anough people have paid their respect to this man - more than he could have ever expected. He was a humble man, I believe this however much I may have disagreed with his views on many topics, and as such he would not want nor expect great mourning at his passing for in truth, if you are a believer, he has finally returned the the bossom of the lord. It should be atime for rejoicing in the christian world and not of mourning for jesus said "He who believes in me shall never die" (John 11.26) and if I was a christian I would be jealous but thankful that an old man had passed from this world to the next wherein he could receive the reqards in heaven that his work in this world deserves.

So, to the point, I'm sure neither John Paul II nor Jesus would begrudge the scots their earthly pleasure in sport. Life on earth goes on, as we all find out as we lose the ones we love. It does not diminish their importance or our love for them if we carry on with our lives does it?

my father was glad when the pope died but he hates catholics anyway, being raised in a religious town with true hatred between the two faiths.

soccor (or football, real football) is a religion in scotland like elsewhere in the world.

To be perfectly honest, I would rather watch a footy match than a funeral, Pope or not.

The man is gone and life goes on.  I agree with McDonald, funarels (except those for loved ones) are boring and depressing.  The others are just depressing - including my mother's.

I agree with Don and McDonalds. Funerals are no good. Which is why I want to be cremated when I die, I don't even want a memorial service. My death shouldn't inconvenience people..

I watched the three stooges. Then went shopping.  Bernard Law is still a Cardinal and is officiating in
an highly honored capacity.  Enough said

Not that it matters, but I hate soccer.

In other news, the Braves are set to play the Nationals in about 45 minutes.  :)

Not that it matters, but I hate soccer.

In other news, the Braves are set to play the Nationals in about 45 minutes. :)


I'm not a sports fan myself, but I am wondering, what do you have against soccer? ???

Personally the only sport I come close to feeling any ill feelings toward is football, for personal reasons.

I'm not a sports fan myself, but I am wondering, what do you have against soccer? ???

Personally the only sport I come close to feeling any ill feelings toward is football, for personal reasons.


I just don't like soccer, it's boring.  I also don't like hockey and golf.

I like baseball, football, and basketball.

I just don't like soccer, it's boring.  I also don't like hockey and golf.

I like baseball, football, and basketball.


When you win the World Cup at Soccer (or Association Football as we liek to call it) then I'm sure you'll find it more interesting. I'm certain that the USA will one day soon win the World Cup and most Footie pundits agree as you have so many kids playing the game its just a matter of time.

When you win the World Cup at Soccer (or Association Football as we liek to call it) then I'm sure you'll find it more interesting. I'm certain that the USA will one day soon win the World Cup and most Footie pundits agree as you have so many kids playing the game its just a matter of time.


So your theory is that soccer will finally become a mainstream American sport when we win the World Cup?

Hmm..what convinces you we will win the World Cup?

When you win the World Cup at Soccer (or Association Football as we liek to call it) then I'm sure you'll find it more interesting. I'm certain that the USA will one day soon win the World Cup and most Footie pundits agree as you have so many kids playing the game its just a matter of time.


I doubt it.  I didn't even know that the US hasn't won a world cup.  The only thing I know about soccer is they kick the ball, and that Brazil and Germany have the best teams.

I don't see it passing baseball here in America, ever.

I don't think soccer will ever overtake baseball in the USA either, but it might be possible for it to replace hockey in the big four. Especially if the NHL stays locked out.

I don't think soccer will ever overtake baseball in the USA either, but it might be possible for it to replace hockey in the big four. Especially if the NHL stays locked out.


The US dosen't have the History or Passion that we have for football over here.

People have on many ocasions been killed in Football Riots.

I went to an away game against Nottingham Forest and we were escorted out of the stadium by more than a Hundred Police officers. The made what could only be described as a tunnel or Riot Shields.

I think Football will in time become the 3rd or 4th most Popular sport, behind Baseball & American Football.

I really don't see soccer gaining any kind of mainstream popularity here..

I really don't see soccer gaining any kind of mainstream popularity here..


Give it a few years.

All the little kids that play it now.

I enjoy American Football, and it's a travesty that it happens, but a lot of Parents won't let there kids play anymore. I guaren'damn'tee more young kids play Soccer than peewee football.

Give it a few years.

All the little kids that play it now.

I enjoy American Football, and it's a travesty that it happens, but a lot of Parents won't let there kids play anymore. I guaren'darn'tee more young kids play Soccer than peewee football.


I don't like American Football at all. I don't know anything really about soccer, so I won't judge it.

I could see your point about all of the little suburban kiddies who have been playing soccer since the 90s..plus I am sure cable sports channels have given it more exposure. However, I still think it can only be 4th tier at best(popularity level of hockey). I don't see it breaking into the "Big 3" mainstream..

Although it might be beneficial if it did. It could be something that makes America connect with the world better. Something we seem to have trouble doing.

I don't like American Football at all. I don't know anything really about soccer, so I won't judge it.

I could see your point about all of the little suburban kiddies who have been playing soccer since the 90s..plus I am sure cable sports channels have given it more exposure. However, I still think it can only be 4th tier at best(popularity level of hockey). I don't see it breaking into the "Big 3" mainstream..

Although it might be beneficial if it did. It could be something that makes America connect with the world better. Something we seem to have trouble doing.


It'll take over Basketball eventually.. i hope so anyway.

Personally i think only Baseball even rivals it.. at least it isn't run for TV the way American Football is.

Basketball players are the biggest prima-donas in the world of sports and i really hope they get taken down a notch when people see what a great sport football is.

Plus, all you need is a ball.. any ball.. and you can play.. you can play on concrete, grass... whatever.

Maybe in time soccer might have a chance of becoming a big sport here in North America.

My main problem with the sport is having to watch these grown men roll around on the ground acting like they just got shot sfter someone grazed their leg. After years of watching hockey players getting their face "stiched up" right on the bench. Watching football players like Brett Favre getting banged around, playing with a broken thumb, concussions. I just can't sit there and watch these soccer players and their theatrics.

Maybe in time soccer might have a chance of becoming a big sport here in North America.

My main problem with the sport is having to watch these grown men roll around on the ground acting like they just got shot sfter someone grazed their leg. After years of watching hockey players getting their face "stiched up" right on the bench. Watching football players like Brett Favre getting banged around, playing with a broken thumb, concussions. I just can't sit there and watch these soccer players and their theatrics.


That happens.. and it pisses me off..

However when you see Paul Ince play on with a head wound that required over 40 stitches after the match, or Terry Butcher wrap his own head in bandages just so he can keep playing.. you soon forget the continental prima donas.

Maybe Bill Shankly was right: "Football is not a matter of life and death. It's more
important than that"

That happens.. and it ticks me off..

However when you see Paul Ince play on with a head wound that required over 40 stitches after the match, or Terry Butcher wrap his own head in bandages just so he can keep playing.. you soon forget the continental prima donas.


You're absolutely right, we have them in every sport. Since the NHL lockout i've been watching a lot more soccer. And i'm actually starting to like it more and more. I believe I read somewhere not too long ago that registration for soccer here has now surpassed hockey. I'd better start liking the sport if that's what my kids are gonna want tp play :D

Maybe Bill Shankly was right: "Football is not a matter of life and death. It's more
important than that"


Bingo.

Rivalrys run long and deep and people never forget the past.

Juve - Liverpool anybody, i dread to think what will happen tomorrow night.


You're absolutely right, we have them in every sport. Since the NHL lockout i've been watching a lot more soccer. And i'm actually starting to like it more and more. I believe I read somewhere not too long ago that registration for soccer here has now surpassed hockey. I'd better start liking the sport if that's what my kids are gonna want tp play :D


I encourage my little cousins to play because a) it's a sport that gets you very fit b) It's pretty safe, IMO a 9 year old should not be playing American Football.. far far far too easy for there to be serious injury..
and C) for the most part it's a real fun game that improves co-ordination, fitness and team work skills.

I don't think sports are that important at all.  If i wanted fun excitement, I'd go to a carnival.  If I wanted important excitement, I'd... become a superhero and fight to evil powers in the world to save it. 
In sports, you're just playing with a stupid ball, so it's not important, and the rampant commercialism and greedy coaches sucked the fun out of them all(Must play the game, must play the game, must play the game).  Besides, they make too big a deal out of it in high school and it alienates the non-athletes(like me, back in the day).  If I want to play sports, I'll play sports, but I don't want to make a job out of it.

As for people choosing sports over the pope's death, it's sad the Pope died, but people should move on after a while.  I think people are still talking about Princess Di's death today.

Maybe Bill Shankly was right: "Football is not a matter of life and death. It's more
important than that"


Well see, that quote applies to football.  Americans love football.  It's soccer most of us here don't like.

I don't think sports are that important at all.

Well of course they're not really important.  It's a passion.  You like seeing you're home team win, hence why I got tickets to watch the Braves beat the Cardinals on April 30.

Hi GW, sorry to correct you there but Bill Shankly was the legendary Liverpool AFC (soccer to you guys) manager back in the 70s that made the team the world beaters they were at that time. He's as important in the 'football' world as say Tom Landry is to American Football. But I guess the quote applies to both equally ;)

I agree with you Chrisj about sports and how they alienate non-athletes in schools. My junior high was horrible about doing that. But I go to an alternative High School, and we don't have sports. And its WONDERFUL.

Well of course they're not really important.  It's a passion.  You like seeing you're home team win, hence why I got tickets to watch the Braves beat the Cardinals on April 30.


You wish  ;D


I agree with you Chrisj about sports and how they alienate non-athletes in schools. My junior high was horrible about doing that. But I go to an alternative High School, and we don't have sports. And its WONDERFUL.


Oh i disagree, sports are fantastic. If i ever have kids i will encourage them to take part in as many sports as possible. Personally.. Sports help me a lot. They help me deal with aggression and get it out on the field, I have amde good friends from sports, learnt important qualitys and developed many skills.

I think Football will in time become the 3rd or 4th most Popular sport, behind Baseball & American Football.


I'd like to think that, but I think it's optimistic...

The supposed 'big showcase' was when the US hosted the World Cup in 1994 which we (ahem!) didn't qualify for (but at least it meant we rid ourselves of Graham Taylor...!)

Popular though the event was, it just didn't really fire up the Americans' imagination...

A bit like American Football over here - I remember the big TV coverage (from Channel 4) and the hype...but nothing much more than that happened...

What is the big deal with this overrated sport where others can't pay tribute to a great man?  >:(


Well, for one major reason:  Not everybody is Catholic.

While I respect the man and will miss him, I am not Catholic.  I certainly have not changed the way I did anything in my life because he passed on.  Nobody can expect the entire world to stop, just because somebody died.  And I am sure that the Pope would have agreed with that.  After all, he was often seen as a "Man Of The People".

Soccer is gaining more mainstream recognition among young people in America. There is a satellite channel devoted to it (Fox Sports World), and the World Cup is covered fully on ABC every four years. Also, UEFA is covered on espn and there is the MLS league coverage as well. Young people who play soccer and even some who do not, do like soccer. It gets more and more coverage every year.

All the English Pubs here (of which there are many) are packed during the Barclay Premiership every year.

I don't think it will be as popular as American Football, though I can't see why (I f**king cannot stand American Football). That sport is not only boring, but it takes almost four hours to trudge through one freakin' game. If your team loses, you've wasted half your day watching them lose (instead of a mere 90 minutes of Soccer).

Baseball is also very boring. Man throws ball at other man who tries to hit it. If he hits it, he runs to a predetermined spot, and then to another, and then to another, and then to another predetermined spot. If he happens to be touched by the ball during that time, he has to go sit down... How exciting  ::). Not to mention you have to take a day class just to learn how to keep score.

Soccer is gaining more mainstream recognition among young people in America.


That may be, but they have been sayin ghat since the middle 1970's.

Most of us old enough remember "Pele Mania", and all the movies that spotlighted it at the time, like "Victory", with Pele and Sylvester Stallone.  And all the various Soccer leagues to have come and go over the years, like "American Soccer League", "Major Indoor Soccer League", "North American Soccer League", and the "Womens United SOccer Association".

While it remains a major sport with kids (AYSO) and with immigrants, it has yet to ever take off with the general American public.  I remember the funny looks I got in 1986, when my ex sent me off for the day with me stepdaughter, so that we would not disturb her watching the World Cup.

For some reason, our favorite sports tend to be the ones that started here, like Football, Baseball, and Soccer.  This probably dates to the fact that they got their foothold before the advent of mass-media.  After all, who would care about how a team does in England, when you would not hear the results for weeks, if not months.

Soccer may pass hockey, but let me make a prediction: soccer will NEVER pass baseball, football, and basketball here in America.

I also think there is a bit of Americentrism involved. Soccer is seen as a "European" sport, and over the last 20 years the general public's feelings toward Europe havent' been exactly glowing. It shouldn't enter into sports, but I really think that this could be another example of the "Trans-Atlantic gap".

I also think there is a bit of Americentrism involved. Soccer is seen as a "European" sport, and over the last 20 years the general public's feelings toward Europe havent' been exactly glowing. It shouldn't enter into sports, but I really think that this could be another example of the "Trans-Atlantic gap".


Not really.. it's just it is still a growing sport in the states.

Nobody (and i mean literally nobody) here plays American Football or Baseball. I enjoy both games (baseball especially) but there is just no interest here. It's not that it's growing, i mean it's dead. Channel 5 (Our tackiest terrestrial channel) screens about 2 baseball games a week at about 2 - 3am and also screens the Superbowl.

Not really.. it's just it is still a growing sport in the states.

Nobody (and i mean literally nobody) here plays American Football or Baseball. I enjoy both games (baseball especially) but there is just no interest here. It's not that it's growing, i mean it's dead. Channel 5 (Our tackiest terrestrial channel) screens about 2 baseball games a week at about 2 - 3am and also screens the Superbowl.


I must disagree. In Texas at least, I think the general image of soccer is that "wussy Eurotrash sport".

I must disagree. In Texas at least, I think the general image of soccer is that "wussy Eurotrash sport".


From some of the Texans i have met.. washing is seen as wussy  ;D

From some of the Texans i have met.. washing is seen as wussy ;D


You aren't too far from the truth. I don't really get along with my typical Texan step-father. I called him at work(he works at Wal-Mart) one time and asked him to pick up some color for my hair, and he said "You want to color your hair?? Do you want me to get you some lace panties too?". ::)

Just as an aside: football (real, association football, not that minority "american" variant) is the most popular specator sport in the world...

Just as an aside: football (real, association football, not that minority "american" variant) is the most popular specator sport in the world...


Interestingly enough, I read that in the early days of the game there was a disagreement in rules that split the game in two, and Football(soccer) of today comes from the majority view and American football and rugby both come from the minority viewpoint. Or something like that. ???

Not really.. it's just it is still a growing sport in the states.

Nobody (and i mean literally nobody) here plays American Football or Baseball. I enjoy both games (baseball especially) but there is just no interest here. It's not that it's growing, i mean it's dead. Channel 5 (Our tackiest terrestrial channel) screens about 2 baseball games a week at about 2 - 3am and also screens the Superbowl.


Tell these guys that American Football isn't played over here

http://www.lufbra.net/club_homepage.asp?clubid=3812

The Student club here at Loughborough has been going for many years now and is still active.

Tell these guys that American Football isn't played over here

http://www.lufbra.net/club_homepage.asp?clubid=3812

The Student club here at Loughborough has been going for many years now and is still active.


It's a club...

There are no National leagues, there is no national association, and Loughbrough is one of the few places in the country that has the facilities to support a team.

Just as an aside: football (real, association football, not that minority "american" variant) is the most popular specator sport in the world...


In the world yes, but it's fifth in America.

In America it goes: baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer (in that order.)

In the world yes, but it's fifth in America.

In America it goes: baseball, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer (in that order.)


BS. Football is more popular than baseball and you know it.

BS. Football is more popular than baseball and you know it.


No, you're wrong.  Baseball is the most popular sport in America.

No, you're wrong. Baseball is the most popular sport in America.


No, it isn't. Foot ball is by FAR. Trust me. Young men have a very low interest in baseball. It is football they get all into.

IMO Baseball is a far superior game... American Football really ticks me off.. it's a made for TV Game, unless you go and watch like High School football.. which is a thing of violent beauty.

Interestingly enough, I read that in the early days of the game there was a disagreement in rules that split the game in two, and Football(soccer) of today comes from the majority view and American football and rugby both come from the minority viewpoint. Or something like that. ???

The story is that a pupil at Rugby school picked up the ball and ran with it... he must have been a fairly popular sort of chap for the rest to have gone with this new idea rather than all the other boys just jumping on him - hold on a sec, they probably did: that explains the scrum,  I guess.

Did someoby already mention Scotland is is NOT a papist country?  Why would they interrupt their daily lives for the death of the Pope?

Scotland apparently isn't a country at all, being that's it's a part of the United Kingdom, as is Ireland and Wales. Nothing against the Scots, but their priorities need to be a wee bit straightened.  ;)
Did someoby already mention Scotland is is NOT a papist country?  Why would they interrupt their daily lives for the death of the Pope?

Scotland apparently isn't a country at all, being that's it's a part of the United Kingdom, as is Ireland and Wales. Nothing against the Scots, but their priorities need to be a wee bit straightened. ;)


Lets not turn this into a debate about home rule, lol..

Scotland apparently isn't a country at all, being that's it's a part of the United Kingdom, as is Ireland and Wales. Nothing against the Scots, but their priorities need to be a wee bit straightened.  ;)

The word "country" doesn't just refer to sovereign political entities.  Scotland was a sovereign kingdom until 1707, and remains culturally distinct from England. 
Or, for instance, it was acceptable to refer to Lithuania and Latvia as countries when they were consumed politically by the USSR.

Many people don't think the Pope was a great man. But they would have probably did the same thing had the PM of Scotland died. It's hooliganism IMHO because I do not understand why games and politics take presidence over a man's life. 


Huh?? Did I miss something??

I hadnt realised we had a PM in Bonnie Scotland  ???

Scotland apparently isn't a country at all, being that's it's a part of the United Kingdom, as is Ireland and Wales. Nothing against the Scots, but their priorities need to be a wee bit straightened.  ;)



Uhh, that's Northern Ireland, dude. And Scotland is considered a country, albeit a member country of the United Kingdom (as is Wales). I think it's unfair to simply forget about over a thousand years of national history, heritage, and pride (not to mention native language) simply because of some political changes. Scotland may be a part of the UK today, but I'd hate to be the guy that told a random Scot in a random pub that it wasn't really a country.

And who are you to sort out their priorities for them? Are you from Scotland? As Maxwell already pointed out, Scotland is not a Papist country. It's overwhelmingly Protestant (mostly Presbyterian if I'm not mistaken). If some Scottish Prostestant doesn't want to miss the highlight of his day to watch the funeral of a foreign leader of a religion which is not his own, that's his perfectly respectable and reasonable choice.