The Hooligan, The Wealthy, and The Black Folk

In this second chunk, the author focuses on more specific groups that are seemingly essential to both soccer and society. Chapter four deals with the hooligan, or person who acts - usually poorly - without thinking. According to Franklin Foer and Alan Garrison (Former Hooligan), a hooligan's fight was more of a spontaneous action in the past. However, now that more sophisticated spectators are in the crowd, fights are usually planned at a different time and more discrete location. While Alan states that he is still involved in hooligan-like antics, Foer's observations reveal that his hooligan days, along with many others, are long gone. With security tighter and stricter than ever, arena fights are much too risky.

Chapter five discusses the wealthy, and powerful, people in Europe. These wealthy people seem to have had the biggest influence on soccer in some parts of Europe. In fact, if it weren't for their monetary contributions, some areas would not have been able to afford a team. As a result, there were, and still are, very few extremely wealthy people who control an entire nation's "soccer team". This could also be said for the actual teams, who become so talented and popular that the world pretty much follows their every move without hesitation. Players, like Romario, are remembered for years; statues, pictures, and videos are kept as a way of keeping their legacy alive. This particular chapter resembled the ways that the government favors the rich instead of the poor. They may not admit it, but the government is still lenient with the wealthier citizens of the United States and strict on the less fortunate; that is the only reason I have that explains how so many rich people are getting away with dodging the tax collectors for so long.

Being the one that I can relate to the most, Chapter six focuses on of the darker sides of soccer fans: racism. Yes, racism has followed us into the new millennium - directing most of its attacks on Africans (Nigerian) who migrate to Europe in order to play professional soccer. Franklin Foer provides an example of such racism in the beginning of the chapter when introducing Edward Anyamkyegh, a Nigerian soccer player: "Because they [Ukraine Police Officers] were trained to be suspicious of visitors, and because Edward looked so different, the police pulled him aside. 'Why have you come to Ukraine?' " Foer also recalls a time when two European children stared and snickered at Edward's "funny" appearance while he was giving an interview for this book. Being so used to it, Edward does not allow these actions to provoke a reaction out of him. Even when the opposing team's fans throw bananas and make ape noises every time he receives the ball, Edward shows no emotion. However, his calm reactions do not make these actions OK, since we know live in a world where racism is "a thing of the past".

Clarification: What are Carpathians?

Application: Do you feel that soccer games have changed to an event solely for the middle and upper classes? Have the hooligans lost their home to the "higher paying" spectators?