Sparky’s Column

Honour and Glory

 

The psychology of the football fan is fascinating, what happens in the confines of a football stadium would not happen anywhere else. Let's look at the evidence, in a football ground you can wear fancy dress, dance and sing with a group of adults and it is considered perfectly normal behaviour. Imagine doing the same thing in the middle of Dubai Mall or your favourite hotel. In the bubble of the beautiful game the other wise crazy is considered normal. A lot of the ways fans behave is harmless fun but there is something about sitting in the stand that makes fans think they are looking down from on high and can pass judgment on those below. The effect on the team on the pitch can be instant and have a direct influence on performance. The fans attitude to those below can be the difference between success and failure.

 

Sharjah have taken to email shots rallying the fans to get behind the team and in the fight for survival. The tone is deliberately upbeat and serves to galvanise the fans as part of the club. If the fans answer the call and remain positive no doubt this will be reflected on the pitch. Last season Al Jazira drew huge crowds and this buoyed them onto a first league title. This season the crowds have been smaller and the team has faded. The link between what happens on the pitch and in the stands in the DNA of the game, only a fool would think otherwise.

 

Al Ain have won the league, well the reserves have but I don't think it will be too long before the first team are celebrating the same way. It shows a real strength in depth at the club and is such a huge turnaround from last season when the team was struggling to avoid relegation. The fading of Al Jazira's challenge after the 3-2 loss at Emirates club means he title should head to the garden city sooner rather than later. I think the momentum is with Al Ain and they will take some stopping in the charge for first place.

Despite the 3-2 loss in the league Al Jazira bounced back with a sensational win in  Iran against Al Istiqlal. The team have been torch bearers for UAE football in the Champions League this season and the win should cement them a position in the knock out stages. The club now have the chance to take the UAE to the next level on the continent.