Football League supporters based abroad can now watch most of their team’s games on iFollow – it is not the same as being inside the stadium but at least it offers them a chance to feel connected to their club
On the first Saturday of August at 5pm I was sitting in a Thai fast food restaurant in central Frankfurt, staring at my smartphone with my headphones on. That’s hardly unusual nowadays, even for a man of 52. Around me, indifferent diners slurped on their noodles, unaware that I was watching something so momentous – live English fourth division football. To be exact, Lincoln City’s opening fixture of the season at Wycombe Wanderers.
Even as technology expands the parameters of possibility, it is narrowing the live experience down to the palm of our hand. Supporters who still visit stadiums have always scorned those who exclusively watch the game on television, but at least seeing the match in the pub can still be a communal event. Now I was sharing Lincoln City with nothing but a plate of sweet and sour chicken, shut off from a doubtless unsuspecting world.
This story is from the November 2017 edition of When Saturday Comes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2017 edition of When Saturday Comes.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Pirate Transmission
Broadcasters around the world are paying huge sums to screen football, but they will not be willing to invest if they cannot be protected.
Scandi Drama
Years before it was screened live in the UK, England’s Football League was building a cult following abroad thanks to a visionary broadcaster.
Pot Of Gold
A rare meeting between two local rivals brought FA Cup fever – and a useful financial boost – to one corner of Hertfordshire
Digital Divide
From earnest post-match punditry to being used in actual players’ matchday preparations, the virtual game is becoming increasingly blurred with reality.
Haringey Ladder
The decision to walk off in the face of abuse has shone a national spotlight on a community club with a progressive approach
Bournemouth 0 Norwich City 0
Dean Court may have received a Premier League facelift but against today’s visitors the home team fail to live up to their status, although the low-quality draw they play out is still somehow reassuring.
Room With A View
Hampden Park
Not In The Script
ARSENAL FILM
Out Of Place...
After another unsuccessful qualifying attempt Martin O’Neill is under pressure, while a poor Republic of Ireland squad is only getting weaker
Uncomfortable Truth
At the end of April Sheffield United surprised many people by re-signing Ched Evans, who, following a retrial, has now been found not guilty of the rape charge for which he spent two-and-a-half years in prison.
