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TALKING SPORT - Footballing loyalties are about much more than bloodlines
I DON'T suppose the rugby union loving public of New Zealand will feel their achievement has been tarnished if the All Blacks lift next year's World Cup.
Certainly supporters of Die Mannschaft didn't appear to be crying foul when Joachim Low's side thumped England in South Africa. Nor did English cricket fans for that matter when Andrew Strauss and the boys regained ownership of the Ashes.
All three of these teams, of course, rely heavily on foreign talent to bolster their ranks. But, even so, I'm not surprised there has been such an outcry following reports that Mikel Arteta, the Everton midfielder, would consider wearing the Three Lions rather than the Spanish coat or arms on his chest after qualifying for British citizenship. (That's Arteta from San Sebastian, not Scunthorpe).
Football, for better and worse, has always enjoyed a special place in this country's sporting psyche.
I can understand why it would sadden some to see his name on Fabio Capello's roster at Wembley. But society has changed dramatically since 1966 with populations and subsequently identity becoming much more complex and fluid.
Of course it we should seek to protect the sanctity of international football. (Although, I suspect, that our bargaining power at FIFA HQ has been weakened somewhat by the fact that an Italian is our manager).
But if Arteta can prove that he regards himself as British, complete the same set of tests that ordinary people must undergo before being granted their passports then surely there isn't a problem? (If it transpires that he simply fancies cadging a lift to a European Championship then we should follow a different course).
Loyalty and, dare I say it, patriotism is not simply an accident of birth. After all Terry Butcher, whose blood-splattered display against Sweden came to symbolise everything that's 'English', was born in Singapore.
Got a view? Leave a comment below.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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