On The Ball | European Super League: big clubs prove that match-going supporters no longer matter – they are after ‘armchair fans’
- The dawn of a European Super League is all about attracting the millions of armchair supporters who will pay to watch Man United vs Barcelona in their homes once a year
It was a big FA Cup game against Chelsea at Old Trafford in 1988 and the Stretford End was busier than usual. A crowd of 50,716 was present, 11,000 more than normal. Chelsea were on their way to relegation, but one of the game’s great appeals is that nothing is permanent and nor should it be.
“Move along, let the part-timers in,” said a voice as I tried to squeeze past. “Then they can go back to their armchairs and watch the other games on TV.”
It stung. To be an armchair fan was a stain on your credibility.
The public address announcer at Middlesbrough tapped into this sentiment when they played United in the 1992 Rumbelows Cup semi-final.
“Can I remind the part-timers here today that Middlesbrough Football Club do play here every other week and you’re welcome to come back to Ayresome Park,” he said to the much-increased crowd.
