Only a name?

A friend tells me that he was at a sports function the other night when a minor war of words erupted over someone using the term ‘soccer’.

Only a name?

A football man — that is to say, a soccer man — took exception to what he seemed to consider a derogatory name for the world’s most popular sport.

He is not alone. Only recently, a columnist in a national newspaper revealed his revulsion at the use of the word while, over the years, I’ve lost track of the number of times the subject has been the occasion of heated and, invariably, drink-fuelled debate.

You have reached your article limit. Already a subscriber? Sign in

Unlimited access starts here.

Try from only €0.25 a day.

Cancel anytime

More in this section

Sport

Newsletter

Sign up to our daily sports bulletin, delivered straight to your inbox at 5pm. Subscribers also receive an exclusive email from our sports desk editors every Friday evening looking forward to the weekend's sporting action.

Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited