When Enough Is Enough: Stupid Fan Strikes Athletic Bilbao Goalkeeper
There is a difference between the fan who has an intelligent passion toward their team and those who are fueled with a vindication toward the opposition. Great fans have a healthy respect for both teams on the field, where as fans whom are overly passionate about their own team can sometimes become drunk with a sense of pride. Unfortunately, in most cases too much pride can hurt, not only yourself, but your team and the game in general in the long run.
We saw the effect of pride when Dida was struck with a fans flare, and while we say the Brazilians game was never in check, I do believe that the incident left a powerful effect on his "want" to be out on the park. "But hold on", you say, "...he's a professional. He should just get on with his game". With a goalkeeper it is never quite that simple. Injury can effect performance in one way, but an attack from a fan can leave mental scars that run deep.
Recently we saw Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Armando Riveiro struck by a bottle during a game against Real Betis, causing the goalkeeper to gain two stitches to his face. Because of one stupid fans actions, Betis now has to dish out a three game-round ban. So who gets effected in this situation?
The goalkeeper constantly looks over his shoulder, nerved by opposition who may rain down missiles on him at any minute, good fans...passionate and considerate fans, lose face because of one mans actions, clubs have a PR nightmare, and everyone loses.
But it's even deeper than that, and we tend to forget that when the stadium lights shut down, and the crowd has whittled away into the night, goalkeepers like Riveiro have to tell a worried wife or girlfriend that it will be all right and it's all worth it in the end. Goalkeepers like Riveiro have to tell their child not to be scared "Dad will be alright".
In the end, you see, there is more at stake for a goalkeeper than just the effect of one stupid fan on the team and the game as a whole. There is self doubt, there is the worry that stepping on the field could even risk your future, possibly your life. Passion for one's team and game is one thing, blinding self pride that leads to destructive behaviour is just plain stupidity.
Following is the video footage of the incident against Armando Riveiro of Athetic Bilbao, you judge for yourself:
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John Stevanja
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