Anti-Tory Chant of England Fan.

England's 'Lionesses' soccer team are doing the nation proud. In the World Cup set in Australia, England beat Haiti 1 - 0 but it was a near-run thing. Haiti despite being a minor in world football played well. They provided a hard job for England and the 'Lionesses' had to fight for the ball. However, England triumphed and got their first victory under their belt.

Last night, England won a victory over China 6 - 1. China unlike Japan, does not have a good pedigree in soccer circles. Japan's men have a good resume' in winning the Asian Cup. And, they always do well in the men's world cup. Presumably, Japan's women's teams are as good as the men's. I digress, England is now in the last 16 of the contest.

England, you could argue, has had it easy in facing weaker teams. The test will come when our ladies have to face stronger teams. Although Germany's women were soundly thrashed the other night. There has always been a rivalry between England and Germany in the men's teams. So why would it be any different in the women's teams? Argentina, France, and Scotland are other teams that have a rivalry with England.

An outside broadcast after the England victory over China was interrupted by an ecstatic fan. Joe Inwood, a Senior Field Producer, for the BBC, had to apologise for what the England fan said. Carrying a pint of beer in one hand and a stick in the other, the fan chanted "Fuck the Tories"! Obviously referring to the Conservative government of Rishi Sunak.

John Inwood immediately apologised live on air for the chant. Afterwards, however, John Inwood described the incident in a statement as a career highlight. It's not the first time a live broadcast was interrupted. When an English side played Galatasaray in Turkey a fan, presumably, English also swore. Doing outside broadcasts in any situation or place is risky.

Members of the public will often say something or perform in front of the camera. Noises from far away can also be heard and these are often picked up by the mics and camera.

It's possible the person who said "Fuck the Tories" was drunk. When intoxicated, we often say or do things, we later regret. Or, the person concerned, may have meant it and chose the live broadcast to voice his/her opinion. With the England victory, the fan probably felt the adrenalin pumping and thought it was a good time to express his/her views.

One could ask how could an England victory make someone shout "Fuck the Tories". How could the two possibly be connected? Politics, however, has always appeared on the agenda of a sports tournament. Particularly at soccer games as the last men's world cup in Qatar proved. LGBTQ+ plus armbands were worn by England and Germany as that community is not allowed in the Islamic country. Also, a lot of fuss was made about how foreign workers are treated in Qatar.

One cannot forget the taking of the knee for equality in England games. However, some feel, that sporting tournaments are not the arena where political and social issues should be put on display. Some fans booed the England team for taking the knee. Not that they were necessarily racist, but, just wanted to see a good game of soccer.

Some protest the fact that the Poppie symbol was not allowed to be displayed. A symbol of the armed services who have given their all, so we could be free. And yet, pro-Black and LGBTQ+ symbols, are allowed. Seems like a case of double standards and that cannot be correct.

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