To go to the game, or not to go to the game. That is the question.
Or it’s at least one of the questions fans have grappled with since sports broadcasts emerged as genuine alternatives to being at the ground.
This series, we’ve already looked at that question in regards to rugby league and AFL. Now, it’s time to put football under the microscope.
We’re pitting Roar Assistant Editor Daniel Jeffrey, who’s arguing in favour of the TV-bound crowd, up against Editor BJ Conkey, who reckons you just can’t beat being at the ground.
Let’s get to it!
For: Why it’s better to watch football on TV than at the ground
Daniel Jeffrey, Assistant Editor
Picture it: you’re at the ground, in the middle of the supporter’s bay. Your favourite player, whoever he or she is, pulls off an incredible piece of skill, be it a lightning-quick stepover, critical tackle or rasping shot from long range. There’s hardly a moment to savour it before the play has moved on, hardly a replay for you to enjoy.
The same can be said for crucial offside decisions, where you’ll rarely have the chance to see whether the linesman was correct to raise his or her flag.
Contrast that to the comfort of sitting in front of your TV, where you’ll be offered replay upon replay of those breathtaking moments, freeze-frame vision of offside decisions, and a level of detail just not available at the ground.
If you want to watch the game and truly appreciate the quality of the players on the pitch, following on TV is the superior option.
There are more replays which, when you consider the breathtaking speed the game can be played at these days, prove invaluable for the moments you miss or don’t get a good view of at the ground. There’s analysis from the commentary box which isn’t available to crowd members. And there’s the convenience of being able to watch it all from the comfort of your own home.
Before wrapping this argument up, I’d be foolish not to mention the crowds at the ground, an area I’m sure my adversary will take full advantage of.
I’ll admit, getting pulled into the chanting and singing can be a thrilling experience. After all, aside from the outstanding skill on display, the in-ground atmosphere is so often listed as football’s greatest asset.
But, unlike the phenomenal displays of athleticism and dexterity we see on the field, it can easily discourage fans from coming to football games.
We’ve all seen the issues pop up in the headlines. Flares. Offensive banners. Idiotic chants.
The issues are not limited to football alone and, if and when they occur, it’s only ever a tiny minority of fans who are the culprits. But it’s enough to make a difference, enough to deter a number of would-be fans from making their way to the ground.
When coupled in with the added detail offered by football broadcasts, it’s enough to make me stay at home and watch the game on the TV.
(AAP Image/Paul Miller)
For: Why it’s better to watch football at the ground than on TV
BJ Conkey, Editor
The ‘passion is not a crime’ hashtag which went viral on social media a few years ago was an insight into how football fans view their sport.
It’s not just a case of following your team but living through them – 365 days a year.
That passion is on display at any professional and most amateur leagues around the globe.
If you’ve been lucky enough to experience the atmosphere of any top-flight derby, you’ll know just how special it is being there.
Whether it’s Liverpool versus Everton, Olympiakos versus Panathinaikos or Sydney FC versus Western Sydney, it’s a similar feeling. It’s the feeling that this is the most important match and nothing else matters.
The chants, the banter, and the sheer intensity of the crowd are like no other.
I went to the 2011 AFL Grand Final – known for the infamous ‘Meatloaf-gate’ – and while there were almost 100,000 packed into the MCG that day to watch Geelong overpower Collingwood, the atmosphere wasn’t quite the same as the 43,000 I was a part of in Porto Alegre to watch the Socceroos’ spirited loss to the Netherlands at the 2014 World Cup.
When Tim Cahill scored that goal with the most stupendous of volleys, time really did stand still and the stadium erupted like it was one big heartbeat of emotion. It didn’t matter I was stuck up the opposite end of the stadium.
I hugged complete strangers, including security guards. Wouldn’t quite feel right doing that at the pub watching it on television.
The A-League used to have a slogan of 90 minutes, 90 emotions. When you’re in the stands, you understand what that means, even when you have no connection to the teams involved.
Television can only do so much to convey the atmosphere. With football, there really is no comparison to the stadium experience.
There’s watching sport and there’s EXPERIENCING sport. There’s no better TV for sports fans than the Samsung QLED TV which captures fast-moving scenes with ease. Every blade of grass is showcased in stunning colour and thanks to the Quantum Dot technology the game will come alive in your living room.
Swanny
Guest
I have to agree with u. The Sydney Fc crowd were terrific that night. And the 93 game v maradona and the argentine was an amazing crowd. I missed thr mcg 97 against Iran but 2001 and 2005 against Uruguay were brilliant crowds
Swanny
Guest
2005 vs Uruguay. Best night ever. Gotta be at the ground
Swanny
Guest
Nothing beats being at the game Highlights for me including seeing Australia play argentin and Uruguay a few times England beating Germany France beating the Czech Games at Birmingham city and Coventry city . And the jets beating the Mariners in the g f The feeling at these grounds can never be felt on tv
Griffo
Guest
I should have clarified that it was referring to sports played on a field between a two teams without the use of other implements where the objective (at least originally) was to score more goals than the other team
buddy
Guest
AZ - US football is a great spectacle live. although the game is punctuated with time outs, ad breaks etc there is a lot going on all the time. They do a lot to promote veterans - armed forces, ex players and there is something to look at the whole time. I was amazed at how quickly 3.5 hours flew past and considering I was watching a game when the temp was about -5c it was amazingly warm....and you get service to your seat for beer and some foods! Going again at the start of the new season and really looking forward to it...best about watching it on Tv is to delay and Ff the ads!
Rolland
Guest
Nothing beats being at the game ,especially in Australia where in football the coverage is very ordinary ,very few cameras to showcase the game the broadcasters in Australai don't have much innovation with cameras and camera lens or angles foxtel coverage is pretty ordinary very basic of the. ALeague To be at the game to get a 360 degree view of the game to soak up the before game and after game atmosphere nothing beats being at the game .its an event .tv dosent do the game justice .last Friday the atmosphere at federation square the carnival atmosphere before the Brazil Argentina game was priceless .the kids had a ball the singing the dancing the food the people . Its a social aspect as well beats sitting in front of the tV by your lonesome.
AR
Guest
The obsession over what you want others to call your preferred sport reveals an extraordinary insecurity - from all sides. Football, AFL, soccer, calcio, egg ball...when people are *offended* by one or more of these terms, these people are insecure dolts looking to be offended.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Just about every sport is better to watch live but for some the discrepancy is greater than others. Big difference between Tv and live - Football, AFL Better in some ways, worse in others - League, MMA, Cricket, Tennis Better on TV - Motor racing, American football
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Somehow I'm nearly always bought to tears when I see that final footage. I think I need to see my analyst :)
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
I can't believe this conversation is still going. Just for you, Fuss: https://www.macquariedictionary.com.au/resources/aus/word/map/search/word/football/North%20Coast%20Qld/ Now go work on your English, peasant. @Griffo "Incidentally AFL is the elite league of Australian rules football." I wish this were solely the case. Unfortunately, the AFL has branded the code as 'AFL' here in NSW and QLD. I must admit though: it does work. It rolls off the tongue with people, avoiding confusion.
chris
Guest
Gives me goosebumps watching that again. Would do it again in a heart beat. 80,000 Aussies standing up for ourselves after the abuse we copped over there.
Nemesis
Guest
"The original meaning of football is a ball game played on ones feet as opposed to horseback (like polo). " So, let's see if I understand this mythical meaning ... * European Handball is Football * Hurling is football * Cricket is football * Field Hockey is football * Basketball is football * Volley ball is football * Rounders is football * Tennis is football * Netball is football * Dodge ball is football I'm sure we can add to the list.
punter
Guest
It was my greatest night too Mid & the best thing was that morning my wife actually booked our tickets to Germany, I remember after Alosi scored, I was so excited I told those around me I was going to Germany, my wife booked tickets that morning. I overheard a girl saying to her partner, 'we should go too, let booked tomorrow'. Which leads me to the next greatest night when we drew with Croatia in Germany. Then the recent GF win against Melbourne. You can't beat being there live.
AR
Guest
"Nope. Not the English they teach in schools that have decent reputations." Whilst the University of Bulgaria is apparently excellent - for that part of the world - it's English curriculum obviously needs some funding.
Nemesis
Guest
It's definitely on the Agenda if Foxtel gains 50% ownership of the Ten Network. Foxsports has a huge portfolio of sport content - both local & foreign. If Foxtel owns a FTA Network it will cherry pick the best sports content to simulcast on FTA Tv, which will draw big viewers & big advertising money. Also, you can be sure there will be weekly highlights packages for: La Liga, Bundesliga, Liverpool TV, SerieA, English Championship, UCL, UEL, ChelseaTV, ArsenalTV, NBA, etc. etc.
Sam
Guest
No one on this forum would know - never leave they're keyboards. :-D
Sam
Guest
The dedicated sports channel _ ONE _ was a financial disaster. You won't see it again.
Mickyo
Guest
'Is there a bigger group of lonely, social misfits than the Crash & Carry Ball fans who follow Melbourne Rules' There was a poster at one stage called fussball who probably would qualify as a bigger more lonelier social misfit, he would have been on world record pace fitting those descriptors Haven't seen him for ages.
Lionheart
Guest
seeing Ninkovic and Brosque sub'd in their Roar match at Suncorp was close to my favourite live moment last season. Then watching Ninkovic kick the chairs and throw water bottles around - you just don't see this on TV. Magic moments.
anon
Roar Pro
Jeering the Uruguayan anthem set the tone for the night. Stay classy.