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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to wonder if anti-English feeling is mostly about sport

790 replies

Batsratscatsgnats · 05/07/2026 22:46

If you support anyone but England in football or other sports do you dislike English people generally or is it just in sports?

OP posts:
IcedPurple · 13/07/2026 22:16

Terribleio · 13/07/2026 22:08

I don’t get this argument about the commentators either.

The one valid point is the use of “we” when referring to the England team. But them getting enthusiastic or partisan - it’s their job to get the audience excited and involved. What do you expect them to do?

Especially as many of them have played for England themselves. Of course they're going to support them.

Are Spanish or German TV analysts any different? I doubt it.

Persephonia1966 · 13/07/2026 23:01

IcedPurple · 13/07/2026 22:16

Especially as many of them have played for England themselves. Of course they're going to support them.

Are Spanish or German TV analysts any different? I doubt it.

I'd say if anything the mood is trying desperately not to get hopes up if anything
https://youtube.com/shorts/mDYDhu4BHr8?is=uINjR3EVmV_zssVd

IMO the a British press can be too negative about English football players (who are often very young men under heaps of pressure). Either they aren't playing well enough or, if they are doing really well, they are arrogant.

Before you continue to YouTube

https://youtube.com/shorts/mDYDhu4BHr8?is=uINjR3EVmV_zssVd

Pepperlee · 14/07/2026 08:45

BlackRowan · 13/07/2026 14:19

this whole thread (and others) is about inability to listen

time and time again it is explained why people may be cheering against England and it’s all dismissed or met with whataboutery

🤦‍♀️

Yes, those bloody English just will not be told will they? Jesus love..listen to yourself. I'm sorry that we're not rolling over for you or wearing the hair shirts that some on here would like us to wear. I couldn't care less who you cheer for because you're not that relevant. None of us are in the scheme of things. It's football, a game, a sport but it's really got up some noses that England are still in the tournament. Well that's just tough. We'll probably be out this week and all the lovely, cuddly, Welsh, Scots and Irish can have a party . The miserable fuckers.

Speakeasier · 14/07/2026 11:24

TrixieFatell · 13/07/2026 19:53

I haven't accused the fans of being thugs. I have clearly stated that there have been incidences where some fans have behaved terribly. I have experienced it and seen it in documentaries. That's factual not an opinion. I have also said I know of English fans that enjoy the game and have never caused issues.

If you want to link that to an event like Hillsborough as you are trying to suggest then I'd kindly recommend warming up before that leap.

Well of course but that’s not a football problem it’s a cultural problem more than likely as a result of men drinking too much or being on coke. I’ve only seen one case of violence at football in the last twenty five years of home and away supporting my local team. And that was older men looking for a bunfight and they didn’t even seem that interested in the actual football. They saw something kicking off (an home fan in the away end being arrested) and they rushed to join in.

People are pushing back on the perception of English football thugs as it is largely a problem of forty years ago. The authorities have made massive efforts to clean football up and police it effectively and it’s largely worked.

England isn’t the only country in the world to have an issue of young men fighting. It happens in other parts of the world too, including Scotland, Wales and Ireland. So no we’re not going to just accept an incorrect perception. I’m sure if someone made an unfair assumption about your country/hobby/friends you would push back too.

And as for the people supposedly trolling England players for missing penalties there was a massive backlash over that. An overwhelming majority of fans supported the players who missed the penalties and blamed the manager for bringing them on for just the penalties. So yes you can all take one incident, distort it and use it to hate a whole nation or not. It’s up to you really.

The historical record of Empire conversely I get but we weren’t the only country with an empire but yet we seem to get more hate about it than Spain, France or Portugal. So it’s not whataboutery it’s pointing out inconsistency. But I’m not proud of the empire days and I find the people who boast about them embarrassing.

As for Brexit, it’s cringy. But please understand we were fed lies for decades about the EU by a foreign-owned media and foreign-backed politicians with interests in leaving the EU. Many, many people regret it and a massive number, almost half didn’t vote for it.

Inverness1900 · 14/07/2026 12:52

OhBotherSaidPoo · 05/07/2026 23:17

But it wasn't the English Empire, it was the British empire, with Scots, Welsh and some Irish willingly participating and expanding under Scottish kings.

Not true. England was already in Wales, Ireland, parts of Africa, India and North America, before Scotland was in the union. the thirst for empire building is firmly an English one. Even now they still brag and boast about it. "We conquered the world baa haa!"

IcedPurple · 14/07/2026 12:58

Inverness1900 · 14/07/2026 12:52

Not true. England was already in Wales, Ireland, parts of Africa, India and North America, before Scotland was in the union. the thirst for empire building is firmly an English one. Even now they still brag and boast about it. "We conquered the world baa haa!"

One of the major reasons Scotland joined the Union was precisely so they could share in the fruits of empire, having just spectacularly failed in their own attempt at their attempt to build 'New Caledonia' in what is now Panama.

As I said above, 'Rule Britannia' was written by a Scotsman.

Claiming that Scots are morally averse to imperialism shows a complete ignorance of history. The Scots were involved in empire, as merchants, soldiers, preachers and other roles, in disproportionate numbers.

Shakeoffyourchains · 14/07/2026 13:27

It's funny to see how triggered certain posters are getting over being negatively stereotyped considering the views they express on other nationalities, cultures, and religions.

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:32

IcedPurple · 14/07/2026 12:58

One of the major reasons Scotland joined the Union was precisely so they could share in the fruits of empire, having just spectacularly failed in their own attempt at their attempt to build 'New Caledonia' in what is now Panama.

As I said above, 'Rule Britannia' was written by a Scotsman.

Claiming that Scots are morally averse to imperialism shows a complete ignorance of history. The Scots were involved in empire, as merchants, soldiers, preachers and other roles, in disproportionate numbers.

Ok so how does any of that answer the OP? Scottish, Irish and Welsh people tend to be loved the world over, except, ironically, in the Union.

So why the anti English feeling and not an anti Scots, anti Irish and anti Welsh feeling?

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 13:34

IcedPurple · 14/07/2026 12:58

One of the major reasons Scotland joined the Union was precisely so they could share in the fruits of empire, having just spectacularly failed in their own attempt at their attempt to build 'New Caledonia' in what is now Panama.

As I said above, 'Rule Britannia' was written by a Scotsman.

Claiming that Scots are morally averse to imperialism shows a complete ignorance of history. The Scots were involved in empire, as merchants, soldiers, preachers and other roles, in disproportionate numbers.

I see Starmer has encouraged the other nations to join in on getting behind England. Nice but naive sentiments. We will cope on our own just fine.

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:37

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 13:34

I see Starmer has encouraged the other nations to join in on getting behind England. Nice but naive sentiments. We will cope on our own just fine.

So you don't want any of your fellow UK people from the three other nations to like you? Bear in mind this is about football...

You're not going to war and us other three nations refuse to join in.

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 13:37

Pepperlee · 14/07/2026 08:45

Yes, those bloody English just will not be told will they? Jesus love..listen to yourself. I'm sorry that we're not rolling over for you or wearing the hair shirts that some on here would like us to wear. I couldn't care less who you cheer for because you're not that relevant. None of us are in the scheme of things. It's football, a game, a sport but it's really got up some noses that England are still in the tournament. Well that's just tough. We'll probably be out this week and all the lovely, cuddly, Welsh, Scots and Irish can have a party . The miserable fuckers.

Spot on. Funny how certain posters only ever pop up on anti English threads.

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 13:40

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:37

So you don't want any of your fellow UK people from the three other nations to like you? Bear in mind this is about football...

You're not going to war and us other three nations refuse to join in.

Why should I want them to like England. When it comes to the serious stuff outside of football, the grown ups in the other nations are (thankfully) in charge.

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:43

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 13:40

Why should I want them to like England. When it comes to the serious stuff outside of football, the grown ups in the other nations are (thankfully) in charge.

I'm glad you like the SNP, Sinn Fein and Plaid Cymru who are all "in charge"😀

IcedPurple · 14/07/2026 13:45

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:32

Ok so how does any of that answer the OP? Scottish, Irish and Welsh people tend to be loved the world over, except, ironically, in the Union.

So why the anti English feeling and not an anti Scots, anti Irish and anti Welsh feeling?

Vast majority of the world is indifferent to Scots, Irish, Welsh and English.

There may be some sentimental stereotypes about certain nationalities, based on the same ignorance of history shown on this thread. This idea of the Scots or Irish being universally 'loved' smacks a bit of narcissism.

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:49

IcedPurple · 14/07/2026 13:45

Vast majority of the world is indifferent to Scots, Irish, Welsh and English.

There may be some sentimental stereotypes about certain nationalities, based on the same ignorance of history shown on this thread. This idea of the Scots or Irish being universally 'loved' smacks a bit of narcissism.

😂

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 13:53

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:43

I'm glad you like the SNP, Sinn Fein and Plaid Cymru who are all "in charge"😀

That's your assumption. I'm referring to the Royal Navy and British Army. Also the relevant regiments of the other nations. That's why the emphasis was on grown ups, who come together under threats to the UK. Petulance around footy and nationalism is of no significance.

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 14:03

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 13:53

That's your assumption. I'm referring to the Royal Navy and British Army. Also the relevant regiments of the other nations. That's why the emphasis was on grown ups, who come together under threats to the UK. Petulance around footy and nationalism is of no significance.

This thread is about football apparently and why people dislike the English.

I have no idea why you're bringing the Army or the Navy into it.

I also don't understand how England not winning the WC is a threat to the whole of the UK.

MrsPapillon · 14/07/2026 14:20

Inverness1900 · 14/07/2026 12:52

Not true. England was already in Wales, Ireland, parts of Africa, India and North America, before Scotland was in the union. the thirst for empire building is firmly an English one. Even now they still brag and boast about it. "We conquered the world baa haa!"

Who is “they”? Because you know the people that did it are long dead, and despite being born and living my whole life in England I have never once heard anyone ever say “We conquered the world!”, apart from the odd online troll. It does not reflect our feelings.

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 14:24

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 14:03

This thread is about football apparently and why people dislike the English.

I have no idea why you're bringing the Army or the Navy into it.

I also don't understand how England not winning the WC is a threat to the whole of the UK.

You asked me why I wanted the other nations to "like" England. I gave you an answer. I thought I made it clear I couldn't give a toss if it's about football.

Batsratscatsgnats · 14/07/2026 14:31

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:37

So you don't want any of your fellow UK people from the three other nations to like you? Bear in mind this is about football...

You're not going to war and us other three nations refuse to join in.

As an English person (from London whixh apparently makea it even worse!!) Id say yes id like people from the other nations to like us of course. Why wouldn't I? For the most part I like most people so do take some of the views on here about English people slightly personally. I also think while people can obviously have their views some are pretty unfair.
if its just sport then thats up to you but if you dont like me just because Im English id say

  • the empire - most of us weren't alive then so its not us responsible and Scots were involved too
  • English are arrogant about football and expect to win bc of its coming home. No. IMO ive never met an England fan who thinks we'll win the football. We all want to obviously but expect its absolutely not! The song is a joke about the disappointment of being en England fan
  • pundits banging on about England. I mean I would hope if England were out and Scotland (or Wales!) were still in you guys would get the same
  • English are horrible drunks abroad. Yes sometimes true but so are the other nations of the uk. Same goes for not learning g the languages.
  • also a very large percentage of us in England have heritage from elsewhere in yh UK anyway. Mine for example is Welsh, Scottish and Jamaican and well as English.
  • Brexit well yes that was an own goal but London voted to remain too. Wales didnt. Do you blame them?

So yeah I kind of take it personally if someone decides they dont like ME bc I happen to have been born in England. Wouldn't you?

OP posts:
Housebashing · 14/07/2026 14:35

What do we think about religion in sport?
I was reading FIFA‘s official stance on it that they have no issue with the religious adaptations being necessary. Hijabs not playing on Fridays or holy days etc
What do we think about highlighting individuals religion? Is it about the sporting ability or is it about their beliefs?

Swiftie1878 · 14/07/2026 15:33

IcedPurple · 13/07/2026 22:16

Especially as many of them have played for England themselves. Of course they're going to support them.

Are Spanish or German TV analysts any different? I doubt it.

Well, their viewers are all Spanish or German.
Ours aren’t all English.

LuckyHazelFox · 14/07/2026 16:02

Housebashing · 14/07/2026 14:35

What do we think about religion in sport?
I was reading FIFA‘s official stance on it that they have no issue with the religious adaptations being necessary. Hijabs not playing on Fridays or holy days etc
What do we think about highlighting individuals religion? Is it about the sporting ability or is it about their beliefs?

Edited

Fine to make adaptations, so long as they are applied consistently.

Batsratscatsgnats · 14/07/2026 16:06

Swiftie1878 · 14/07/2026 15:33

Well, their viewers are all Spanish or German.
Ours aren’t all English.

Roy Keane is one of the main pundits I've seen this tournament, along with Ian Wright. So that's one Irish and one English.

OP posts:
Goldenbear · 14/07/2026 16:07

Differentforgirls · 14/07/2026 13:32

Ok so how does any of that answer the OP? Scottish, Irish and Welsh people tend to be loved the world over, except, ironically, in the Union.

So why the anti English feeling and not an anti Scots, anti Irish and anti Welsh feeling?

Where is this universal love to be found as IME with close Scandinavian family and friends there is no pronounced preference. Do you mean in the U.S. where they have romantic notions of the culture of these countries? If anything and you are going to like this, my Danish family relate more to the dry wit mostly demonstrated by the English, somone like Jack Dee, who is deadpan in delivery

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