We Remain Petty and Cannot See The End Of Our Own Road

In the San Siro last week, I thought I heard the Liverpool fans chant “England”. Just the once, mind, and long after the ground had cleared of Italian supporters. It seemed a fine gesture, though, an acknowledgement of the wider achievement of English football in Europe. It felt consistent that supporters who care so much for history would have a heightened sense of it.

Then the letters started arriving. Liverpool fans were chanting “Inter”, in recognition of the sportsmanship of their hosts, which was still a decent thing to do. Some of the contributors, however, were affronted by the misunderstanding. Liverpool supporters would never chant England, they said. They think nothing of England.

I accept that I misheard. I also overestimated the ability of club fans to see, briefly, the bigger picture. I forgot that we remain a petty, parochial nation that rarely sees farther than the end of our road. For a moment, I thought we were pretty cool. This will not happen again, don’t worry.