Newcastle United fans are pretty well known for their phenomenal resistance to the elements; a shirtless Geordie in the stands in mid February away to Stoke is not an uncommon image in the Premier League these days. From one extreme to another, fans sat in the stands in ponchos or complaining it is too cold to even go to the game tonight are things that are just not acceptable in this country. Football is after all, a winter sport otherwise the season wouldn't start in September and finish in May. Going to the game with many many layers on isn't uncommon or even frowned upon (unless you're a home fan at St James Park of course) but to be complaining about the rain or that you're too cold is just not right. In most scenarios, its not that you should be able to handle the cold better, or be more accustomed to sitting there whilst drenched from a torrential downpour that would give the monsoon scene in Jumanji a run for its money, it's just that the person is sat there moaning about it. You can sit there and complain all you want but two things should always be considered: Everyone is in the same situation, they're all as cold and wet as you but they're focused on the game rather than complaining about it. Is there anything you can do other than complaining? Are the people around you singing? why not join in? It may not warm you up but it will at least take your mind off the conditions. As football fans we accept that we will have to withstand the elements, its a part of the game but there is nothing worse than hearing a person mention it continuously and is a problem that non football fans can't understand.
A graduate in Sports Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire with a love of all things film, football and American football. Follow me on twitter @mike_oby_92
