I used to think that way, being honest. Over time, I don’t think it will have been worth it. Aside from the obvious repugnance of the ownership there is the rampant inflation in football since Abramhovic (from before yes. Much more prevalent since then) in terms of transfers and wages, the ‘arms race’ amongst clubs to keep up, spiraling ticket prices and so on and so on where to compete for anything without having access to funds unlimited you require a miracle like Leicester or a genius like Klopp. If you don’t have either then the shop is closed.
The Super League was widely panned with protests in the streets and met with derision saying ‘Earn It’ and all that. At this rate the only thing that is going to be be able to ‘Earn It’ is having an oil fund with unlimited funds that is willing to pour money into what amounts to a black hole (they certainly are not going to see a return).
The Saudi and racism conversation is interesting, but it sort of underscores the point about nation states purchasing football clubs to sports wash their image.
From the first comment it was crystal clear to me that Peter Roberts was expressing disgust at the leading family, the brutality, and the extreme aspects of the exported religion that hinder our lives and values.
It is shorthand to wrap all that up in displeasure at the flag.
The responses to Peter Roberts were technically correct, but again, it underscores the problem of nation states buying football clubs to sports wash their image. We object to the rulers, and who they are and what they stand for, not so much the average Saudi man in the street who is probably just trying to go about his business, make some money, live his life, and look after his family.
Hypothetical at the moment, but what would the reaction be from reds here if Stevie became the manager of Newcastle?
Liverpool hero, through and through, doing well at Rangers, and a definite sense that his “apprenticeship” there augurs well for bigger and better for him, perhaps even the Liverpool manager’s job one day?
So with all that understood, let’s say his next step is to take hold of Newcastle, where he will be swimming in a much bigger pool than in Scotland, and he will have some resources to whip them into shape? They won’t expect CL football yet - they will in time - but for now, they need a leader, and for Stevie, taking a team from lower Prem, to say, the Europa, would be a great next step in his development.
However…. Saudi Arabia! (In particular all that their leaders are, and stand for).
Would Stevie then be damaged goods for consideration at Liverpool? How would we feel?
Hmm…interesting. So next time I criticise the policies of the Israeli government I’ll make it all about being Jewish. I’m sure that’s never caused a problem before. People will know that I’m expressing disgust at the policies of the Israeli government - it will be totally fine. No way that could be misinterpreted.
Unfortunately I have to agree…flush with oil money and see an influx of your Mbappes and Messis and principles would soon be brushed under the carpet. Yep, Spirit of Shankly would have a march or two but the stadium would still be full, the kop would still be in full voice and trophies would abound…Happy days.
Hypocrisy amongst football supporters is rife …I have never joined in the condemnation of City as I realise there has always been an element of jealousy and hypocrisy attached to it.
A big concern for me is that this just keeps pushing top tier club football further and further from reach.
Whether it’s watching it on TV or even going to Anfield or any other ground it feels like it’s getting further and further away. The further and more difficult it gets, the more likely my interest will wane. How can I talk about games or players if I dont see them play?
I’ve got the utmost respect for those that are able to go week in week out and basically invest a huge amount of time effort and money into it.
if Liverpool were to be purchased by someone like Abu Dhabi, Saudi, whomever I’m not sure what I’d do to be honest. I think I’d really struggle.
I am happy for NewCastle fans but it’s time for there to be 5 CL places. No other league in the world has 3 oil baron clubs. The PL is now the richest league in the world by miles.
I don’t really have a problem with attacking the religion - the Wahibbist Islam that is enforced in Saudi Arabia.
I think an absolute baseline should be that if you decide a religion isn’t for you, you’re free to do without it. Unfortunately though in SA apostasy carries the death penalty, sometimes even by crucifixion.
This faith has caused no end of trouble through the world, from its influence on Al Qeida, the 9/11 attacks, it’s violent intolerance of other faiths, it’s attitude gay people (death penalty again) and towards women (it’s not uncommon for girls as young as eight to be forcibly married to middle aged men) and the way ordinary Muslims have had to tolerate abuse from being incorrectly associated with its murderous extremism.
Wahabbism is an absolute stain on the world. It should never be considered racist to say so.
EPL needs to take a downturn, TV rights have shown it may well be slowing but hasn’t yet reversed.
Way Liverpool are talked about says it all though, success has been driven by its own making over the last 5 years but all you get is disdain.
Can’t see Newcastle being as good as City in the long term but no doubt they will see each other’s as rivals.
As for the West Ham takeover that’s more in line with others but if they delivered any funding as suggested it would potentially due to its location be far more hurtful to us in the long term, then again it’s the kind of deal that wouldn’t bother me too much.
Would you like to quote me some of this so called “disdain”? All I ever hear from the media is praise and particularly for Klopp and how he goes about things…Lineker and Co certainly seem to be big fans.
Pretty sure you are looking to be outraged. My West Ham mate for one says he is fed up with the press fawning over JK.