https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CoZpizyBKLk
This may be the most tribal of games with passions among fans as fierce as anything we are ever likely to see – outside maybe politics.
But there are moments – and this video shows one of them – when it can provide a moment when a lump arrives in the throat and you wonder why your eyes are watering.
In Spain at our former manager Manuel Pellegrini’s club Real Betis, an appeal had been made on behalf of under privileged kids at Christmas. The club had asked for fans to send in soft toys to make sure as many as possible received something on the big day.
What they couldn’t have expected was the half time moments when thousands were thrown onto the pitch – what a great event. Quite amazing.
Some things are bigger than football – under privileged kids and making sure they are looked after – is one of them at this time of the year.
If only our clubs had thought of doing something similar.
Pellegrini was of course at the Hammers between 2018-19 before being fired as results dipped badly resulting in the return of David Moyes.
They do it every year, wonderful tradition.