Fans don't generally fight other fans anymore and if they do it is away from the stadium and "the shirts" or general football fans are left out of it. It's not all about where your players are from all though having a few local lads does make a difference, the point is they represent your area, your town or city, your manor. It is like an extended family and often the fact that you have been through so many lows over the years makes the highs even greater. It is not false local patriotism it is real passion and pride. Yes it is a form of insanity but so is going into a ring and punching people in the head for a living. It doesn't mean you can't enjoy it. The high of shouting till your hoarse and willing your team on, often against the odds and the group elation of acting like a lunatic and celebrating with thousands of other usually undemonstrative men bonds you together. It may be ridiculous but going to a big club with 40 000 followers and out singing them with 3000 is a real buzz, and yeah some players are mercenaries, but when they are gone the club will go on and generations of fans will pass that passion on to the next. It's completely irrational and that is why we love it.
"Come on you Greens"![]()
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