Watched the England versus Portugal match last night. It was quite an experience: I joined with the groans of thousands as Wayne Rooney was injured and had to go for an x-ray – apparently he will be off for several weeks with a metatarsal injury. The tension throughout the match was almost unbearable, especially with the penalty shoot-out at the end. But what really struck me when the camera swung round to take in some of the crowd scenes, was the way that big-time football is akin to religion. The supporters sing songs, pray for victory and adorn themselves with symbols of their teams. Their fervour is admirable I'm sure, but what does it say about our lives today?
It was not a great day for me yesterday one way and another, and it is true to say that the match took my mind off my problems. Is this why sport attracts such vast fans? What a contrast to the numbers following Christianity in this country. Perhaps we exacerbate worry in people, rather than soothing their sorrows. Something to think about whilst I am still on my period off work.