04/18/24
September 25, 2007
Austria fans petition for Austria-free Euro 2008: Thousands of Austrian soccer fans dismayed at their national side's poor showing ahead of co-hosting Euro 2008 are petitioning for their team to be withdrawn from the tournament. A group of fans have collected more than 4,000 names since launching the petition last Wednesday. "This is not about criticising players or coaches," said Michael Kriess, one of the fans who launched the petition.
posted by billsaysthis to soccer at 12:39 PM - 5 comments
The natural state of a Derby County fan these days is pretty close to self-loathing. But even we wouldn't want the club to withdraw from the league. I'm not qualified in these matters, but the psychology of national identity in modern Mitteleuropa might have something to do with it. "Now, get back on the couch and tell me about your mother..."
posted by owlhouse at 04:33 PM on September 25, 2007
I've seen the Austrian national team play and can understand the sentiment. However, it's just an internet petition. You don't even have to be Austrian to sign.
posted by squealy at 04:58 PM on September 25, 2007
I still find it so quaint that there are people who think internet petitions work.
posted by Drood at 05:56 PM on September 25, 2007
Austria to win Euro 2008!
posted by worldcup2002 at 01:38 PM on September 26, 2007
I don't know much about Austrian football but I can't say I agree with the petition. They may say they aren't criticising the players, but giving out that they don't play attractive football is, imo, criticising them. And if your team aren't able to play beautifully then all you can ask is that they try their best.