Gareth Southgate demonstrates a keen understanding of international football
But a poor grasp of the English language
When asked for a comment concerning Fabio Capello’s appointment in today’s Guardian, Gareth Southgate revealed a subconscious hatred of all things foreign:
“I don’t understand the point of international football if the manager, coach, kit man, etc are not all English [...] That may sound xenophobic but surely the point of international football is that it is xenophobic.”
No Gareth, that isn’t the point. You appear to be confusing the terms ‘xenophobia’ and ‘patriotism’ – one means ‘an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers’ and the other ‘love of and devotion to one’s country’.
These kind of right wing attitudes aren’t welcome in the FA camp. Oh, wait…