Do fans take it too far?

Dani Alves eating a banana thrown by a fan | LaRed.com

Modern sports fans are getting involved with players beyond the usual boos and jeers, some going to the point of physical abuse. Fans feel as if it is their right to do what they want at major sporting event by virtue of purchasing a ticket, and athletes feel insecure about their safety as well as their families’ well-being.

Some of the most popular cases of player harassment have been reported worldwide. In 1994, Nancy Kerrigan, skating star and Olympic medalist, had just finished a practice routine when she was struck on the knee by an assailant, bruising it. A member of the audience threw a banana at FC Barcelona soccer player Dani Alves in 2014. It seems as if there is no way to protect athletes from such scenarios, as fans are still able to harm them.

“Athletes perform in huge ballparks and arenas,” Mark Hyman said in a 1994 BaltimoreSun.com article. “They travel through airports and are as recognizable as any Hollywood movie star. Is there any way to protect them from obsessed fans determined to reach and maybe hurt them?”

One might ask, why do fans boo athletes? Although not many answers have been given to this question, some possible theories are to teach their team a lesson for playing poorly, or to show the other team how much they are hated. One fan believes that booing and harassing players is their right, since they paid to see them, and will only support athletes when they perform well.

“Why do we do it?” Hunter Davies said in a 2013 NewStatesman.com article. “It’s our right, innit? We have paid our money, we can do what we like. We want them to do good things, then we’ll cheer. We love the club dearly, always hoping for better things, so feel personally let down when they play rubbish.”

Some fans have even gone so far as to invade athletes’ social media. From personal insults to death threats, fans see no boundaries to the hateful comments and tweets.

“SANCHEZ BETTER HAVE ARMED SECURITY WEDNESDAY AT PRACTICE!!” Twitter user @BraveGrancru said to New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez in 2012. “YOU THINK IMMA SIT HERE & WATCH THIS [expletive]?? TUHHH!”

With all the threats received from fans, players cannot help but worry about their families’ security. If an athlete’s primary concern during a game is the safety of his relatives in the stands, he/she will not be able to focus on the match.

“The last thing a player wants to be concerned with while playing in a game is the safety of his family inside the stadium,” Akbar Gbajabiamila said in a 2012 NFL.com article. “As players, we are all too aware of the security threat that fans of the opposing team pose to our families.”

Policymakers are stumped as to how they can reduce the threat posed by fans, and as to what means they can use to prevent situations of fan abuse in the future. Despite increased security implementations, fans have continued to find ways to get up close and personal to players.

Written by Muhammad Abid Hasan & Ismail Elomri

Who will take the king's cup?

The Vicente Calderon Stadium/ flickr- Derick Leony

The Copa del Rey will host Athletic Bilbao and FC Barcelona in the final on May 25, 2012 at the Vicente Calderon. Both teams will look to close the season out with a victory to secure the trophy. Barcelona, who failed to retain their title in the Champions League and La Liga, will try to win their last trophy under their Manager, Josep “Pep” Guardiola, who is leaving after four years at the club. Athletic will try to close out the season with a positive note after enduing the season in the bottom half of the table and losing in the Europa Cup final to Athletico Madrid.

Even though Athletic are not considered the favorites to win they cannot be underestimated. They showed great performances throughout the Europa Cup campaign, obtaining wins over some of the best teams in the world like Manchester United. Also they has one of the best tactical and craziest managers in all of soccer, Marcelo Bielsa. Bielsa has brought up a team who has struggled for most of the season to a team that has been able to compete against some of the best teams in Europe. Bielsa’s crazy tactics have seen the bringing up Javi Martinez, who switched from a center defensive mid role to a center back and is now considered a world class defender. Martinez has been a crucial part to their recent success with his smart play with the ball and defensive abilities. Fernando Llorente, the top scorer of the tournament, is also a key factor in the game as he is a very dangerous striker. Also his confidence is spreading through his team and is encouraging the team to play hard and like there's nothing to lose if they come out strong,  "Los Leones have one way forward and that is to go into the match with full confidence and hope for the best," said the author of bettor.com.


Although Athletic have a good chance of winning in the Finals, Barcelona are still the favorites to win. Barcelona, who managed 15 goals in their last three games, will look for something to fill in the void that was left when they lost La Liga to Real Madrid. Barcelona will try to win the very last trophy they can under their manager, Guardiola, who has led the team to 13 titles in the last four years, making him the most successful manager in Barcelona history. Barcelona also has arguably the best player in the world, Lionel Messi, who has broken the record for most goals in one season and is in top form. Even though Barcelona is a great team, they must not only play well offensively but defensively. Barcelona’s defense has been shaky of late and they will be without Captain Carles Puyol, who has been a vital part of Barcelona’s defense for long time.

Both Athletic and Barcelona are going to come out strong to close the season with a win but both have to play well and limit their mistakes. Even though Barcelona are the favorites, Athletic will still be able to give them a tough time and make this game to remember.