It’s so sad to hear unverified news that some people died in Taraba state following yesterday’s UEFA Champions League final match between Arsenal and PSG. This was a match that we bantered about with friends and family, even on our Church’s main WhatsApp group which included men and women, and then brought into church service. I mean, why do we do this? Do we take joy in maiming and killing? This was a match that was beamed to a global audience.
The Parisiens have returned home to celebrate their back-to-back Champions League win, and Arsenal is having a parade through the streets of London to celebrate their English Premier League won after a 22-year wait. If we cannot celebrate, then we should be calm, not mourn the death of 3 people.
What is going to happen to the families of this trio now that they are left childless, fatherless, and bereft of breadwinners. This leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
Yes, football, like other sports, is a game of passion. And that’s why those who participate are also emotionally conscious of the spirit of sportsmanship. They don’t take it to heart. A win is a win. A loss is a loss. We live for another day.
Those of us who watch them should also be mentally conditioned and psychologically stable. If you need to, seek a mental health counselor. If the emotions are too much, stop watching football altogether; or watch a repeat broadcast after the emotions are settled. There are people who don’t watch certain sports including football because of the attendant implications it brings to them.
Please, you have yourself. Your family and friends need you more than you can imagine. Let me tell you, even if they don’t show it, they don’t want to miss you.
When the chips are down, you only have you. The sportsmen you hail, blame, curse, or worry about will move on with their lives.
Please, the banter that comes with football is for fun ONLY! We need you to be emotionally stable!
#YeahMomentsWithYO!