Post by Admin on Jul 15, 2019 18:46:08 GMT
Travelling around France, deeply immersed in covering the World Cup, it was hard to see the woods for the trees for five weeks. Yet through the haze, humidity, and baguettes, Neville repeatedly came up on my radar (even though I consciously tried to avoid England). His words after England’s win over Cameroon caused bile to rise in my throat, a, “This fuckin’ guy?” dying on my lips as I watched his post-match flash interview on the BBC. He was haughtily blowing hot air and it was a joke that his words were eagerly lapped up by the English press (but not unsurprising).
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He spoke as if he was the saviour of women’s football, that it was in disarray before he stepped into the England job (with an incredible lack of experience).
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The worst thing to ever happen in women’s football? Maybe it was the 50-year ban imposed by some countries, maybe it was the serious under-funding and rampant sexism, maybe it was the physical and sexual abuse suffered by members of the Afghanistan women’s national team [by men within their own federation]? Nope, it was Cameroon losing their heads against England. They had shamed the entire sport, it “wasn’t football” Neville was watching and it made him uncomfortable.
His words struck a chord with the English, who like Oliver Twist, thrust out their bowls and pleaded for more. But moreso, they struck a disharmonious chord with everyone who wasn’t English. The coach (aside from showing his arrogance) was simply woefully under-prepared for the match and what kind of spanner African opposition could throw into the works.
There are those who can explain the culture and climate in African football better than I, shining light on the terrible conditions the players have, about how they’re barely treated as professionals when they reach the World Cup or Olympics. Two months out of four years to stand up on the world stage. Neville came from a place of luxury and privilege, of Alex Ferguson and walking into one of the highest profile jobs in women’s football. He was the chalk to Cameroon’s cheese and the disparity was stark.
He spoke as if he was the saviour of women’s football, that it was in disarray before he stepped into the England job (with an incredible lack of experience).
The worst thing to ever happen in women’s football? Maybe it was the 50-year ban imposed by some countries, maybe it was the serious under-funding and rampant sexism, maybe it was the physical and sexual abuse suffered by members of the Afghanistan women’s national team [by men within their own federation]? Nope, it was Cameroon losing their heads against England. They had shamed the entire sport, it “wasn’t football” Neville was watching and it made him uncomfortable.
His words struck a chord with the English, who like Oliver Twist, thrust out their bowls and pleaded for more. But moreso, they struck a disharmonious chord with everyone who wasn’t English. The coach (aside from showing his arrogance) was simply woefully under-prepared for the match and what kind of spanner African opposition could throw into the works.
There are those who can explain the culture and climate in African football better than I, shining light on the terrible conditions the players have, about how they’re barely treated as professionals when they reach the World Cup or Olympics. Two months out of four years to stand up on the world stage. Neville came from a place of luxury and privilege, of Alex Ferguson and walking into one of the highest profile jobs in women’s football. He was the chalk to Cameroon’s cheese and the disparity was stark.