While football is a beautiful game, there is nothing to be said in favour of fake news.
.
Known for his satirical works and quips
which are quoted for their worldliness and humour, Terry Pratchett was not known for his football skills. But his saying “The most important thing about football is that it is not just about football” retains relevance after his passing.
And his take on football is all the more germane now after appearance of a fake news about Arsenal emerging as the Premier League champion-the first time in 22 years started doing the rounds.
It was so believable that it needed clarification from the government. There is nothing incredible a about it as the loyalty and passion of fans have been compared to religious fervour.
It may be honest but never good to bring bad news. It is neither honest nor good to bring fake news.
Football fans thirsting for a long awaited victory may have another take on fake news. But one may take a lenient view as news of their favourite club’s triumph on the field is a bright spot amidst their daily share of trials and tribulations.
Football is no stranger to push coming to shove. After all, it is a body contact game.
The 22 men on the field have been the metaphor of warring countries. The beautiful game has indeed borne the burden of weight symbols almost throughout its entire existence.
Borders demarcating nations disappear before football fever. Reverting to the fake news about Arsenal emerging as the Premier League champion, Arsenal fans in Botswana thought that their revelry had state sanction.
Government notice lookalikes announcing a holiday to celebrate the victory were shared on social media. Apart from a break in schedule of work, these documents, though short on authenticity celebrated” the passion, loyalty and unwavering support “
Thus football bound a famous football club of England to Botswana, an African nation known for its pristine wilderness, large elephant population and diamond mining in a daylong tie. The president’s official handle had to clarify that no holiday has been declared.
What is behind the die-hard loyalty for a football club? No national affiliation, neighbourhood loyalty or social base that binds this community of fans; it is bound by marketing and merchandise.
