by The Goat was fed »
21 Feb 2013 23:50
Leaving if you have to go and get the kids, have to be somewhere else etc. is very different to leaving because you want to make a quick getaway or because you've given up on the game.
I've had to leave a game 10 minutes early because we had a flight to catch for a family holiday. I've never left a game early out of choice and I think you're a bit of a mug for doing so for the following reason;
a) Economically, you pay to watch a complete game of football. Football is expensive, you may as well get your money's worth.
b) If you know anything about football, you know how often late goals are scored. Late goals are great.
c) For me, football is about supporting a team and if you support something, you don't just walk out on it.
Having said that, the following is also true;
a) It's your money, spend it how you will.
b) If you're 5-0 down, you might not be bothered about seeing a late consolation goal.
c) I respect that not everyone holds my views on what football is about.
All I'd ask, is that if you are going to leave early, just get on with it and try not to disrupt those who are staying. Make your way hastily down the stairs (preferably while the ball is out of play), into the concourse and out of the ground. I nearly missed the winner against Sunderland because of some tool who was leaving while we had a free-kick in a dangerous position, taken by one of the deadliest dead ball artists there is, while the aerial menace that is Jimmy Kebe is lurking at the back post.