City Fans Show What True Support Looks Like
It’s fair to say City fans have taken more flak than most over the years. Whether from ex-United pundits who have never quite got over Fergie retiring, top banter merchants like Paddy Power, or the kind of viral nonsense you see on Twitter, we’ve heard it all. And then there’s this absolute pearl of wisdom:
Where do you start with that one? But as much as these digs might wind some people up, there’s a reason most fans let it wash over us: we know who we are. On Saturday, the reaction to Khusanov’s substitution provided the kind of moment that reminds everyone what being a football supporter should really be about.
As the 20-year-old’s number came up and he trudged off the pitch, the Etihad rose as one to applaud him. Not a polite ripple of applause. Not the half-hearted clap you give your mate’s band when they’re playing a dodgy cover of Wonderwall. This was an ovation – a proper, spine-tingling show of solidarity. If it had happened at Anfield, Sky would now be in the process of commissioning a 12-part documentary series narrated by John Bishop called something like "The Thunder of the Kop".
It was a timely reminder, on the day we said goodbye to Skip, that the soul of the club remains intact. Part of a long tradition of fans backing the shirt when they needed it most. Relegation to the third tier? Attendances go up. Jamie Pollock scores the own goal of the century? Turn him into a cult hero. Richard Dunne slots home another own goal? Vote him Player of the Season again.
Khusanov might not remember his debut fondly when he looks back on his career, but you can bet he’ll remember that ovation. In years to come, when he’s a more polished player – or even if he’s not – he’ll know that the fans were behind him when he needed it most.
So, next time someone tells you City fans are plastic, just point them to Saturday. A young lad had a tough day at the office, and 50,000 people stood up to tell him, "It’s alright, we’re with you." If that’s plastic, then give me a bottle and a recycling bin any day of the week.
Photo: Man City YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPPAR05rOU0 