T minus 2 days to Moscow
=======T minus 2 days to Moscow
>>>>>>> .r8797I was offered tickets for the Champions League final today. In the end, I had to turn them down. It wasn’t just the cost, which was rather a lot. It wasn’t just the fact I would have had two days to find out how to get to Moscow and back. It wasn’t just the likely fact that I would have to sleeep rough on the streets of Moscow (surely we’d be up partying our victory?).
No, sadly, I had to turn them down for another reason. They were in the Chelsea section. Some things are just too much to take. I couldn’t take the thought of either a) being amongst jubilant Chelsea fans if they won, b) keeping silent as United brought home a third Champions League title, or c) (the most likely) option, being beaten to death as I accidentally cheered the Red’s winning goal.
I was at Oxford United for Alex Ferguson’s first game in charge. I was in the home end (actually side) of the ground. There wasn’t much to cheer that day. I was at Reading as they lost 2-0 to United this season, in amongst the Berkshire crowd who just seemed happy that they played well. But to be in with the fans of a more “aggressive” set of fans is not the sort of thing that should be done.
So, I’ll be watching at home on Wednesday night, with a beer or 4. Praying and willing the team on. Knowing that even if they are 1-0 down with minutes to go, they might, just might turn it around.
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May 19th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
This is similar to how I ended up at Wembley in 1968. I had non of the problems you would have had. I was offered the ticket with just 2 days to go. I even got a lift and was driven there and back on the same day. All the Reds with scarves out of the windows traveling down the M6 in glorious sunshine, not a cloud in the sky. In the crowd with all the other United fans. Being hugged by complete strangers four times. Wonderfull.
It was 40 years ago to the day (well nearly (Sgt Pepper or what?)). They should have moved the game to Wembley. I recon you would have risked it then.
Enjoy the game …..
May 20th, 2008 at 10:07 am
I’ve had Wednesday on my mind all week. Don’t think it will be a pretty game, finals rarely are. Hoping the football fate is with us and we’ll be dancing around the telly at 94 mins.
May 20th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Dad, tell us more about ‘68. What songs were sung? Being 10 years after Munich what was the feeling after winning the trophy?
I’ve been thinking about little else as well. It’s going to be another tense one isn’t it? Don’t think I could take another penalty shootout.
May 20th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
I am sorry I can’t remember any of the songs. I was in the middle of what would be the Stretford end but as most of the fans were from Manchester (note) they were a bit spread out. I can remember being in awe at the size of the tunnels etc in the stadium. Bobby, not Sir then, scored his first goal right in front of us. A superb glancing header. Bestie was wonderful, unfortunatelly Dennis Law was injured but Brian Kidd had a good game. In defence Styles and Crerand stood out for me. Stepney obviously played a big part. I had such happiness I cannot tell you. I had just started going out with your Mum for the second and final time and life felt really good. I was only 12 in ‘58 so I do not really know much of the effects of Munich other than the very barren time afterwards. Your Grandad knew more and he went to Old Trafford more often than me. It wasn’t the place to take little ones in those days. See if you can read chapter 20 of Bobby Charlton Autobiography before the game. It was very much unfinished business for Matt Busby ….
I will probably have to leave the room if it goes to penalties.