Cod Almighty | Diary

Fasting

23 November 2022

Middle-Aged Diary is boycotting both the World Cup and the Mother Brown Knees-up, but frankly it is hard to tell. 

I didn't turn off the alerts I have set up for Town games last night, and checked the score a couple of times in any case. I didn't confirm the final score until about three-quarters of an hour after full-time, but that's still paying the match closer attention than I'd have been able to as a non-Grimbarian circa 1990, relying on national radio coverage.

I didn't watch Wales, but I kept up with the score, and if I was pressed, I could give headline details of all the other games played so far in Qatar. That means I know more about it than the two Grimsby teams it seems to have become my self-appointed duty to keep tabs on, even when at times the official site doesn't bother. Grimsby Town Women beat Sleaford Town Ladies 3-1 in the County Cup on Sunday, with two goals from Alisha Dejonge and a third by Emily Blyth. The under-18s don't appear to have had a game last weekend but on Monday they'll play their previously postponed FA Youth Cup tie against Crewe at Blundell Park. 

I'm not claiming any moral high ground for turning off the World Cup. That belongs to the people actively campaigning against the repression of women and people who are LGBTQ+, and for improving the pay and conditions of migrant workers. I am a deeply shallow person and I know that if I allowed myself to watch a game I'd get caught up in it, and then when it was over I'd feel soiled that I'd let myself forget.

From the inescapable news coverage, the moment that is going to stay with me is the Iranian team bowing their heads for their national anthem, while their mothers and sisters fight for their rights. One day a football tournament won't have to bear the load shunned by politics, diplomacy and business. One day we will all be able just to enjoy the game. Speed the day.