Blue Cat

now that's a good place to see it! Spugsy go there, the Chelsea Hotel

arbroath_abroad

Memo to Mr Lionheart

dont be so patronising, i am very very aware of the traditions of Semtex Football Club

really i wasnt aware of that,(honest guv) along with their Rangers Manager

The Dean

The Underground is at the Habtoor Grand - about as far from Mirdif as you can imagine BUT..........

........ it's a Liverpool pub which wouldn't normally tempt me (nor you I imagine) but I watched a Man Utd-Chelsea game there a couple of years ago and the Man Utd-hating (and Chelsea-hating) scousers were in VERY good humour indeed..........

Don't wear your Toon shirt though........ and don't go if you are a sensitive little soul who is easily offended by naughty words.......

But what makes you think it will be a "cracking" game? I'm expecting a dour cautious 0-0 (after 90m) with an e-t winner or even pens to settle it........

Bonny Boy

Well it's not an absolute, but the tradition has always been there - the club sprang from the railway works at Newton Heath, many Irish immigrants were employed there. Manchester Celtic was originally going to be the name of the club, but United was adopted instead. Matt Busby was a staunch Catholic, and the scouting network was historically especially strong in Ireland.

There is definitely an affinity with Celtic. The only other club Utd nod at is West Ham. Not exactly sure why that is though, maybe their style of football - but definitely another 'tradition.'

AA - regarding SuperSport, they do excellent coverage of Le Tour, especially as in recent years Robbie Hunter has been riding. With a Phil Liggett / Paul Sherwen commentary thrown in for good measure - always enjoyable.

CeeBee

I confirm, Celtic have always got a good reception at OT. Rangers on the other hand was quite the opposite - even before Wednesday night.

Hammers are a funny one - atmosphere at OT was strange but I think its because their fans are amongst the funniest. Even when they were getting nailed a few weeks ago they made light of it - and the respect shown for Tevez after he rifled that shot in was amazing.

lionheart

Maybe it originated in that old Alf Garnett show on TV where he supported West Ham with a passion, whereas his son-in-law supported Liverpool, the team that Man Utd hate even more than City...what was it called...was it Till Death Us Do Part?

Inselaffen

Double Deckers and Harvesters (Crowne Plaza) are both United bars.

myac83

Yep Harvester for me for the final. Watched the semi against barca there and it was great. we sang our hearts out and coloured the place red.

It won't be a bore hopefully. Common we so desperately need a third one so good old Alex can finally retire in the sun with his mrs.

ScotsExpat

Further away from you than Barasti.....

BangleMan

Full of United fans.....???...must be like a meeting of the United Nations, when the UK have abstained from the vote !.

Not sure which team I hate more......I can only hope the fans clash in mass riots before and during the game, meaning the game is abandoned, and both clubs are thrown out of Europe for 5 years.....

BangleMan

[QUOTE=CeeBee;6365843]I confirm, Celtic have always got a good reception at OT. Rangers on the other hand was quite the opposite - even before Wednesday night.

Hammers are a funny one - atmosphere at OT was strange but I think its because their fans are amongst the funniest. Even when they were getting nailed a few weeks ago they made light of it - and the respect shown for Tevez after he rifled that shot in was amazing.[/QUOTE] Thats because we follow our team through thick...... and quite a lot of thin...we're not glory hunters, we're not just following a team because its fashionable, because they are winning, and in the words of the song which can be directed at the likes of Chelsea fans...."Where were you when you were shit ?

As for Tevez, he is respcted by the West Ham fans, because of the effort he put in over one season, arguably saved us from relegation, and he took the club to his heart

The reception he got at Upton Park this season was one I wll never forget, when he stood in the centre circle and crossed his arms above his head to all four sides of the ground ......he may wear the Man U shirt, but as his apologetic arm raised when he scored that wonder goal against us at OT few weeks ago showed .....he's a Hammer !

Spugsy

I'm not offended easily and wasnt planning on wearing my toon top to be honest...

Bonny Boy

In fairness, the same can be said for a lot of Utd fans ..... it's a way of life. Utd always had good attendances, even during the lean 70's and 80's.

I remember the Brighton cup final a few years back now. The TV presenter live from Brighton was saying how the town was all a buzz, everyone discussing tactics and who would be in the team. Back in the studio, Bobby Charlton made the astute comment, 'Yes...but it's like that in Manchester every day.'

arbroath_abroad

Cheers, i am aware of this, its just Semtex seem to have an 'affility' with everyone. Their 'love me please' and 'professional victims' persona is a tad irritating, And isnt it ironic given ra celtics favourite sons once killed and maimed innocent mancunians...I could give many more examples...

You couldnt make it up....

Thanks again, Is supersports only shown on the SA sattelite? if so we cant get it. So i have had to get snippets from the Gyro from Eurosport News (crap) and my Cycling Weekly that is delivered.

Bonny Boy

I don't know if SuperSport is legally available here in the ME. Technically, it is possible to receive it, as I know of certain bars in Bahrain where they show the channel. Here in DXB not so sure. I used to watch it when I was in Africa, excellent coverage of all sports on up to 7 different channels.

The French international channel, TV5, will also have full coverage of the tour - but (unsurprisingly) French commentary.