Reading a true fan’s mind

“The clock had struck half past midnight and I have just arrived from a hard day’s work. Food was kept on the table, and everyone else was asleep. Instead of having the food, I was searching for the remote control of the television.

After a search operation equivalent to CounterStrike forces, I laid my tired hands on the most important thing in my life at that moment. Made myself comfortable on the sofa and got ready for 2 hours of absolute football madness. Depriving myself of food and sleep only to watch my team play.

Be it a win or a loss, I don’t care. I have given up things I need at that moment with no assurance of celebration or mourning at the end. All I want to do is support my team.”

A true fan of a sport sacrifices many of his luxuries for watching a game of his choice. A game which he doesn’t want to miss at any cost. Well obviously it doesn’t mean that the one who misses the matches aren’t the true fans, but always an extra thing is done to make sure no match is left unseen.

When things go out of control

After a lost battle, when it becomes difficult for the players to move back into the dugout, when trembling handshakes are made between players from opposite ends separated only by the tag of “winning” and “losing” ones; at that very stage a true fan also goes through the same set of emotions. For some moments there is an absolute silence, just like a saint lost in his own world, no words are spoken or heard, only the ending glimpses of a loss are embedded inside the mind.

A true fan feels the same disgust, agony and the plight just like the whole team. Back in the mind there is always a thinking about possible outcomes had some mistakes never been committed, like an unwanted tackle, a bad shot selection, mindless running between the wickets, or a weak backhand. If and only if such mistakes had never occurred.

When things are happening as planned

But when the results are in favor, joy of fans seems no bounds. Be it bursting crackers or fans calling each other spreading the good word, updating status or tweeting it fervently, fans leave no medium unused.

The one’s who have the habit of providing their expertise talk provide great insights into the game. Something which is not viewable with the naked eye, a microscopic look into the game. They just can’t get enough of the match-winning performances of players.

When things are blown out of proportion

A true fan enjoys every win with great gusto and also accepts every defeat with great character and a belief of a comeback. But what itches a fan most is when his beloved team is tainted with allegations of unfair play. A fan can take a win/defeat lightly but accusations of unethical play never go down easily.

Fans retort by accusing the opposition players with some kind of the same allegations and what begins is a great rivalry. A true fan will openly condemn a wrong doing of his own team/team members if the charges are true. Be it a dive or a brutal tackle, obstructing the field or faking a catch, no such things are ever spared.

But a true fan can never swallow a bitter pill affecting the reputation of his team. A team he support, preach, love and care about.