Northern Ireland v Germany, Thurs 5th October

A LOVE LETTER TO THE AWAY FANS

Words Heidi McAlpin

Every time I take my seat in the Kop I always look around the stadium to see the away fans, wearing their colours, waving their flags and singing at the top of their lungs.

Being in Paris for last year’s epic match against Germany was an experience I’ll never forget. And it was made all the more memorable because of the fantastic German fans. We all mingled together, posed for photos, clinked flagons of ale and out-sang each other (us ‘Sweet Caroline’, them ‘99 Luftballons’) pre and post match. Approaching the Parc des Princes, a random German flung a red, black and yellow garland around my neck. Then, long after the full time whistle, the German fans stayed on to enjoy, applaud and video our ‘Will Grigg’s On Fire’ opus. And for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. When we drew Germany in the World Cup Qualifiers I’m sure I wasn’t alone in relishing the opportunity to welcome the greatest team on the planet to our wee country. Their fans will be warmly greeted everywhere they go, whether at shared fanzones or in the stadium.

And it gladdens my heart when I notice a bunch of away supporters nestled among a sea of friendly GAWA fans. Because that’s what the beautiful game should be all about: sharing a moment in our nations’ unique footballing stories. Rivals, yes. But grace in defeat is just as vital as unbridled joy in victory. And the GAWA are justifiably proud of our reputation as one of the world’s most fabulous groups of supporters. I treasure my Medal of the City of Paris, a gong bestowed by the city’s Mayor for our “exemplary behaviour” during Euro 2016. It is precisely this bonhomie, coupled with a collective determination to prove our dissenters wrong and show the world #weexist, that we extend to the visiting fans. Which is why I say willkommen to our German pals and have a great game. Even though ‘We’re Gonna Win The Group’!

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