The love of the premier league by the Irish

[Urban Sports]

But total hate for the England team, why? I've got a fair few mates from Northern Ireland and family from Dublin all of them hate the England team but all avidly support English clubs but can't or won't answer the question why?

[Kinky]

Why support a foreign country?

[patmahe]

I guess it would be similar to an Englishman following Bayern Munich but not being a fan of the German team, they are 2 different things.

There's also a certain sector of Irish society who like to live in the past and see the English football team as a representation of the empire that generations ago took our land and oppressed our people. Thankfully these attitudes are changing.

I think the way the British media overhype England (1966 all over again type talk) whenever they are doing even remotely well means that to an outsider looking at news reports etc.. (We get British channels in Ireland) there is a perception of arrogance or even entitlement. Which makes it hard to like them. (Although it hasn't been as bad this time around)

I'm not a big football fan either way, I'd only have a passing interest in the World cup. But I have to say I was a little disappointed when England went out. Closest thing we had to a home team. Interested to see how Costa Rica get on from here.

[Urban Sports]

Kinky said:

Why support a foreign country?

Plenty do.

[dai1983]

It's also the same in Wales and I guess Scotland!

Nothing wrong with supporting an English team and not wanting England to win. It can also work both ways and with other sports. I can imagine there are a few English rugby fans who would support Welsh teams but would be repulsed at the idea of cheering on Wales?

How many follow Barca or Real but loved it when Spain failed badly?

[JuniorD]

I know plenty of Dubliners, south siders, who love England, they'd lick an English jock strap all day if they could. But that's Dubliners for you.

[Trophybloo]

I've found that support in the republic is traditionally for those English sides that have a history of including players from Eire - MUFC, Pool and the Gunners. Ulster tends to be 'Pool and Salford Contemptibles. Understandably both nations see no problem supporting EPL teams but dislike the Englishnational side, same is true of a number of English fans (me included!)

[Cheib]

JuniorD said:

I know plenty of Dubliners, south siders, who love England, they'd lick an English jock strap all day if they could. But that's Dubliners for you.

Ah the old West Brit's.

[Asterix]

Urban Sports said:

Kinky said:

Why support a foreign country?

Plenty do.

Indeed, here in the Middle East, most of the Indians & Arabs (which make up the majority) are supporting all sorts of teams, including England.

They often have players they really like at Chelsea, Man City, BM, Barca, RM etc... and will take that support to which ever country they play for.