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Premier League Fans Can Hurt ISIS

By Rucker Haringey

Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A general view as the scoreboard displays an image of the flag of France during a moment of silence for the November 13th terror attacks in Paris before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; A general view as the scoreboard displays an image of the flag of France during a moment of silence for the November 13th terror attacks in Paris before the game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Chiefs won 29-13. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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The world is properly in mourning for those who lost their lives in the evil terrorist attacks in Paris just a few days ago. We, as Premier League fans, have a unique opportunity this weekend to strike a significant blow against ISIS, the perpetrators of this worldwide tragedy. To defeat the terrorists we must bravely continue to show up and support our clubs in droves. We cannot let the criminal atrocities committed in Paris change our way of life.

Some may find this column offensive because of the suggestion that attending football matches can strike a blow against worldwide terrorism. It’s not my intention to make light of the way military forces around the world fight terror on a daily basis. They are the real heroes. My point is that we, as Premier League fans, do have a role to play in this global conflict.

The reason ISIS (or if you prefer ISIL) or any other terrorist group resorts to terrorism, is to try to scare the masses. Their ideologies thrive when people are forced to live their lives in fear. That’s how they are able to successfully recruit members and it’s also how they hope to bend the world to their terrorist demands.

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By attempting to deploy a suicide bomber to a football match they tried to frighten us. ISIS wants us to stay in our homes and avoid the football grounds we love when the Premier League resumes this weekend. For them, the thought of us staying behind closed doors with our families is delightful. If we all stay shut in while football stadiums are half-empty this weekend then in a small, but significant fashion, the terrorists win.

I want to encourage Premier League fans to do just the opposite. No matter what club you support go out in droves to cheer them on this weekend. In fact, do so for the rest of the year. Attend the games in masses and don’t be afraid. Show cowardly terrorist groups like ISIS that you will not be deterred from living a normal life because of their dastardly tactics. Support your club with your presence like never before.

You must understand that your attendance isn’t without risk. It’s exceedingly likely that the enemy will try again to strike a sporting event. You could be at one of those events and of course, the potential outcomes are disastrous. The odds are overwhelmingly against this, but it could happen.

You could also get hit by a bus in the morning. You could also be struck by lightning. The point of this column is to urge everyone to live boldly. Don’t let your actions be dictated by the threat of terrorism. That’s what THEY want. We must do what WE want.

Stand up and be counted Premier League fans. Deal a blow to ISIS by doing the exact opposite of what they want. Support your club in record numbers this weekend and send a loud message that we will not be confined to our homes by terrorists. We are better than they are.

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