And yet Irish people have never had more of an interest in Man Utd and the EPL…
It can be cliquey alright, but it is built up over time. For instance I have mates that I only met through going to Pats games. Its not out of the ordinary to see the same people every week and become mates with them. None are closed shops though. If I know anything about football fans, the more people that they can argue with the better Away travel absolutely helps.From personal experience, League of Ireland support can tend to get somewhat "cliquey", but maybe that's a natural consequence of seeing the same heads at the games every week; it would only be expected that bonds be formed. Note the whole "real football, real fans" thing, however. I think that's indicative of a superiority complex which could very easily make those perceived as "outsiders" somewhat uncomfortable. I suppose you could also view it as pride. In saying all that, when I first travelled to Derry away games, I travelled alone, for want of a better word, on buses with supporters' clubs of which I wasn't a member and where I might have vaguely known one or two people, if even, but had no problem joining in or being made feel like I was part of it all.
I think this is a bit of a misnomer too. I don’t know anybody who cares about people who’ve no interest in the league. The only people I have a problem with, are the people who actively seek to mock and belittle Irish football.I suppose most "established fans" don't mind just so long as you're supporting the club in some way. The real antipathy is reserved for those who seek to remain on the "outside", or, in other words, the infamous barstoolers.
Anyone who turns up at a game in Ireland is OK with me
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