Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sat Jan 18, 2014 9:28 pm
Saturday 18th January 2014. Norwegian 8 pages. 
Cardiff City v West Ham Jan 2014.
" A football club is not a club - it's a clan . It is a family. "
- Let 's start with a good win today !
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the microphone down on the bench at the Cardiff City Stadium . The home crowd cheering for the new manager . A few minutes later running the Cardiff players out on the court in tennis outfits with " Visit Malaysia " on the chest. In the full set crowd is hardly a red jersey to see. It fanned with blue scarf and a picturesque Norwegian flag. The arena in Cardiff has been voted the most family-friendly football stadium in the UK. The guards are careful to see that The Bluebirds sitting on the seats. Only West Ham fans are allowed to stand. Beyond the game, drowning out the home fans completely .
On a pub a few blocks away sits some of Cardiff's most loyal supporters and watching the match on TV. Many of them have season tickets , but they refuse to watch the team at home. And this despite the fact that the club plays in the top division for the first time in over 50 years. These are the fans who previously represented the hard core of the Bluebirds . Cardiff City have been more familiar to fans of fighting than good football . Until the 2000s fought made far down the divisions . But on the table of the number of hooligans was the very top . The old home of Ninian Park was described as a cauldron . It was often fighting before, during and after matches . On a typical game day hundreds of fans could be arrested . The violent throttle in any way from the stands was probably a contributing factor to Cardiff could turn out teams that on paper was unbeatable - as in the FA Cup in 2002 when Cardiff , which was in the third division , defeating Leeds which was at the top of the Premier League. Cardiff's most feared fans called themselves the Soul Crew . One of the leaders was Annis Abraham . He has written seven books about his life and his impact on the club. Today he no longer fighting against the other team's fans , but dishes verbal blow to the management of the club. Abraham is controversial , but among his fans , he has many supporters and great influence . Two days before Solskjaer's home debut we'll call him up . Abraham takes the phone right away and answers:
- Meet me at the large car park at Cardiff Bay .
We are going around a bit at Cardiff Bay while waiting for the former fighter . Down by the harbor we see Norwegian flag waving in the wind. They are not raised in honor of Solskjær or the Norwegian players who have come to the club. Flag poles are outside the Norwegian Church , which is now a cultural center . Cardiff was known for having the biggest coal port in the world . The tremendous growth in coal exports coincided with the growth in the Norwegian fleet . From the mid 1800s until World War II trampled thousands of Norwegian sailors streets of Cardiff. During this period the church was an important focal point . The father of author Roald Dahl came here and started shipping . Son Roald was baptized in the Norwegian church. The Welsh - Norwegian Society still has several events a year where Norwegians in Cardiff and descendants of Norwegian sailors meet.
' Annis Abraham '
Annis Abraham comes sisters against us. From a distance, he reminds about soccer and actor Vinnie Jones. We go into the Wales Millennium Centre , Cardiff's main cultural venue located right by the parking garage. A choir is singing a bit beyond us at the entrance . Abraham gives us a 20 minute lesson on ståa Cardiff City before we manage to interject that it might be nice to find a place to sit.
- Many of those attending the game tonight was not there when we were a lousy team . I have had season tickets for 41 years . Nine of seasons we played in the fourth division. I have been to Darlington , Hartlepool ... where they were then, they now dress in red? I like that we have been a family club, but we have lost the passion and identity . The club must not forget us who were there from the beginning. We who have breathed football throughout his life, says Abraham .
In short, the story of Abraham for a club that has sold the soul to a filthy rich man who lives seven time zones away from Cardiff. The man called Vincent Tan and comes from Malaysia. He has lent the club hundreds of millions in recent years. The massive spending paid off last year when the team was ready for the top flight for the first time in over 50 years. Before promotion season demanded Tan at The Blue Birds were playing in red. He thought it was a color that would bring happiness and a red layer would be easier to market in Asia. According to Abraham were posed an ultimatum to supporters : Red or dead . Abraham is one of many who have refused to give their support to Tan as long as the team plays in red. As casual he never used the blue shirt. Members of the Soul Crew went in designer clothes Lacoste . But when the club was red , he pulled the blue Cardiff jersey over his head.
Fans' dissatisfaction with Tan is not just the new suits. They also reacted strongly when the team's former coach , Malky Mackay, was fired before Christmas. It was Mackay who created the Premier League.
- Tan is a clever businessman , but he could nothing about football. We will remind him of what he is doing wrong every single day . He knows that we will never give us. In the old days we kicked the doors of the boardroom and stormed the pitch when we did not like what happened in the club, says Abraham .
He attended his first game in 1973. 12 years old , he was beaten up in an away game against West Ham . Abraham was not intimidated. He felt at home in the club - fighting and rivalry games made just more exciting . Today , he describes it as a kind of dope .
- We were a bad team then. But even though we were poor , I would that we should be the best in the stands. I thought I was fighting for the club, for the city. That was what drove me , says Abraham , adding:
- Away teams said it was worse to play against us than Galatasaray . When we got the new stadium supporters were split.
He misses the atmosphere and the singing was at Ninian Park , while he is happy that the time of fighting and mass arrests are over.
- It could get out of control, and there were some ugly episodes. But the violence I have seen in bars is ten times worse. I will not condemn those involved . It was part of growing up. We did not attack the common people , or the fans who attended shirt. Fight Fighting took place between equal .
Hundreds of supporters are no longer fight. But as long as it is fully in the crowd , according to Abraham that the boycott has little going for it . He wants all who oppose the club plays in red show up and show their displeasure by dressing up in blue.
- When we played well down the divisions , I dreamed that one day we would meet teams like Manchester United and Liverpool in the league. But my dream did not come true . We played in red at home against Manchester United! We are no longer Cardiff City.
On the way over to a pub just off Millennium Centre Abraham takes a break from football and talk about his background .
- My father grew up here . Before it was called Tiger Bay . It was a rough area where there were many foreigners. But they were a community . They looked after each other .
At the end of the 50th century began the father of Abraham, the first night club in Cardiff. The father had great success and ran after each nightclubs in many other cities . Abraham pulls out one of his books and shows a picture of himself and Tom Jones. Jones became a household name after his father allowed him to play at their clubs . Abraham even began to work on one of his father's clubs when he was 12.
- When I was at the fight, demanded my father that I came back and worked from nine in the evening - it was probably good for me , otherwise I would have ended up in even more trouble than I did.
Abraham says he is a nostalgia , that he might not belong in the modern football. The town he grew up in has also changed dramatically over the last 30 years . In the early 60 's there was barely coal exports again in Cardiff. A decade later, the steel industry laid dead. The harbor area became a wasteland. Only towards the end of the 80's took the city politicians grip. Today, Cardiff Bay compared with Aker Brygge with its huge cultural buildings , fancy restaurants and upscale apartments. From being a tired industrial city is Cardiff has been a city that emphasized both in travel magazines and when done rankings of the UK's best cities to live in.
- The city looks nice , but it has lost its roots , says Abraham .
For many, Wales better known for rugby than football. Right in town is the Millennium Stadium as each year draws tens of thousands of rugby fans when Wales plays . When Abraham grew up in the 60 - and 70 - century football associated with noise and hooligans . He says that it is only in the past that wealthy investors are willing to invest in football in the city. Abraham believes it is a myth that rugby is more popular than football in Cardiff.
- Those who watch rugby do it three times a year . Cardiff Rugby draws no more than 4,000 spectators . When we went to Wembley , we sold 40,000 tickets and we could have easily sold 40,000 , says Abraham, referring to the FA Cup final in 2008.
- Football interest is massive. We could become a giant. It was also the vision of Sam Hammam before he ran out of money , says Abraham .
Sam Hammam bought Cardiff City after he sold out of Wimbledon. Hammam would first change its name to " The Cardiff Celts ". He also wanted to change the team color to green , red and white. Hammams vision was that the whole of Wales would gather around Cardiff. But after long discussions with the players and the fans he walked away from this. Abraham was one of the supporters he spoke most.
Although Cardiff has many fans outside the city, few people believe that it is possible to Welsh public to rally around the club. The biggest rival to Cardiff is not Manchester United or Liverpool, but Swansea. When these two Welsh teams play against each other supporters must have a police escort .
Cardiff supporter Carl Curtis , who lives at the doorstep of Swansea, takes us on a drive to the home of Neath . The car also sits daughter Angharad ( 12).
- How many Cardiff fans are there in your school ? Ask your father .
- Five - Six reply Angharad .
- And how many is that?
- 1100 . Almost everyone supports Swansea, says Angharad and smiles .
Carl Curtis says that the rivalry between these two teams is carried off the pitch . When Cardiff moved up from third to second division in 2003 after the victory against Queens Park Rangers , Swansea fans trooped up the neighborhood to Curtis .
- They went into a pub and smashed inventory. When we came back from Cardiff police waited on us at the station. That's it. They went down the pub even though we were not there !
Most workplace Curtis Swansea supporters . When Cardiff lose, dread he began to go to work.
- After a loss , they can sing and bully me a whole day. They never give up . Something is funny ...
- But you 're not laughing ?
- No. Or the . I'll take me a mask. Inside me I feel a rage.
When Cardiff beat Swansea earlier in the season he went in blue shirt at work for a whole week . Curtis, who writes a blog about Cardiff for the South Wales Echo , has never been a hooligan . But he likes the rivalry .
- It's good for the mood with a little hate, bullying and rivalry - to a point . I do not want my kids to see fighting. I do not want it to be physical .
Football in Wales has always been a working class sport. And Curtis believes it is still the case .
- But that's about to change. At Ninian Park could never been VIP grandstands for people with lots of money . We have now. Therefore I think it is so important that we continue to go on away games , we have a service to those who come from the same background as myself . Otherwise I'm afraid the atmosphere is lost .
38 -year-old grew up in harsh conditions.
- I would not even call it a working environment. I grew up in an area where most people went on welfare . My stepfather did not work .
Curtis explains that his stepfather was violent.
- For me, football is a way out . I just wanted out and kick the ball . I slept in my suit at night . My whole life was about football, says Curtis , adding:
- I will not dwell too much on it - but children who grow up in homes with domestic violence are often quiet. They say nothing about what is going on. I got clear out a lot of anger when I went to a football game .
Curtis estimates that he currently uses half position at the club throughout the year . Fans who want tickets or who will be involved in away games calling him around the clock.
- For me this is pleasurable . The stress I have from work and more energized when I do this.
Like Abraham, he fights against the club's decision to let the team play in red. He also believes that it was high time that the team got a new stadium . Curtis also points out that Vincent Tan with their investments have yielded important club facilities including a state of the art training facility . But the struggle to preserve its identity , he will continue .
- There will be more protests. So much I can say.
The fans also fear that Tan should make earnest of his desire to replace the club's Bluebird logo with a dragon.
- I pray to God that nothing happens . If that happens, I feel what I do. I've been a football fan ever since I was 4-5 years. What should I do on Saturdays if I can not go to battle?
On match day we go home to Annis Abraham . At the gate to the property reads " Ninian Park ." Abraham takes us into the office and keeps up the folder with all seasonal cards , before he displays clips of their favorite player Jason Perry.
- See that Perry is similar to Solskjaer ! It's incredible , exclaims Abraham .
He has even met Solskjaer .
- Solskjaer has approached the fans. He understands that football is religion for us. It sets we very much appreciate . We will not withdraw our displeasure at him .
In the garage there is no room for cars . Boxes of books produced and the effects of a 40 years long supporterliv takes up all the space. The lawn is taken from Ninian Park . In the corner of the garden stands a small grandstand .
Abraham gets in his car along with eldest daughter ANNAIS and heading to the pub supporter .
- A few years ago could not be fans show up there. Today it is a family place, says Abraham .
Previously it happened that Cardiff fans stopped buses to away teams that passed the pub.
- When Huddersfield was here in 1983 we kicked the doors and pulled them out of the bus . But today I realize that such behavior does not result in anything good with it . I tell young people that they should not become like us. It's not worth it . Today you get long prison sentences and 10 year ban .
It was only when the team got a new stadium that hooligan environment was dissolved . Number of season tickets sold has increased immensely , and today comes closer to 30,000 in battle when Cardiff player.
It's three hours before the game when we arrive at the pub filled up with bluebirds . A lady comes over and says that she is boycotting home games even though she has season tickets. Another supporter is unsure if she enters .
- I need to check if I'm banned.
In the Premier League Cardiff City reputedly the highest number of supporters who are banned from entering the battle.
Neil McEvoy , councilor in Cardiff, greet Abraham and have a chat .
- I have supported the club all his life. This fight is about much more than the color of the shirt . The fans feel alienated. I have not come across it happened with Malky . It is embarrassing. For me this is also about ethics and loyalty, says McEvoy and adds:
- The only thing more unpredictable than football is politics .
The approaching battle. Abraham and daughter go to the stadium, along the infamous Sloper Road.
- This area was completely covered by the police when we played at Ninian Park . There were horses and dogs everywhere, says Abraham .
- The park on the other side could look like a battlefield after the fighting.
Passing the new residential houses that were put up there Ninian Park was before.
- Is not it sad ? asks Abraham .
At a roadside waving the Norwegian flag in the wind. The scarves sold are blue. Inside the arena crowd begins to fill .
- This could be anywhere, groans Abraham and threw out his arms.
- If this had been Ninian Park , we'd already sung .
0-1 becomes 0-2 . Abraham leaving the stadium with unhappy bluebirds . On the way back to the pub , he says that if this had been a match against West Ham in the 80s would motorbikes stood in fire on Sloper Road. Just after going Abraham enjoys a chat with two young West Ham fans. He pats them on the back and wish them a good trip back to London - before he goes home to their own on the Ninian Park Pub .
jens.marius.saether @ dagsavisen.no
link
http://www.dagsavisen.no/nye-inntrykk/r ... s-blafans/
Annis Abraham and one of his daughter Tilly aged 4.
link
http://www.dagsavisen.no/nye-inntrykk/r ... s-blafans/
Annis Abraham and one of his daughter Tilly aged 4.
Cardiff City v West Ham Jan 2014.
" A football club is not a club - it's a clan . It is a family. "
- Let 's start with a good win today !
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the microphone down on the bench at the Cardiff City Stadium . The home crowd cheering for the new manager . A few minutes later running the Cardiff players out on the court in tennis outfits with " Visit Malaysia " on the chest. In the full set crowd is hardly a red jersey to see. It fanned with blue scarf and a picturesque Norwegian flag. The arena in Cardiff has been voted the most family-friendly football stadium in the UK. The guards are careful to see that The Bluebirds sitting on the seats. Only West Ham fans are allowed to stand. Beyond the game, drowning out the home fans completely .
On a pub a few blocks away sits some of Cardiff's most loyal supporters and watching the match on TV. Many of them have season tickets , but they refuse to watch the team at home. And this despite the fact that the club plays in the top division for the first time in over 50 years. These are the fans who previously represented the hard core of the Bluebirds . Cardiff City have been more familiar to fans of fighting than good football . Until the 2000s fought made far down the divisions . But on the table of the number of hooligans was the very top . The old home of Ninian Park was described as a cauldron . It was often fighting before, during and after matches . On a typical game day hundreds of fans could be arrested . The violent throttle in any way from the stands was probably a contributing factor to Cardiff could turn out teams that on paper was unbeatable - as in the FA Cup in 2002 when Cardiff , which was in the third division , defeating Leeds which was at the top of the Premier League. Cardiff's most feared fans called themselves the Soul Crew . One of the leaders was Annis Abraham . He has written seven books about his life and his impact on the club. Today he no longer fighting against the other team's fans , but dishes verbal blow to the management of the club. Abraham is controversial , but among his fans , he has many supporters and great influence . Two days before Solskjaer's home debut we'll call him up . Abraham takes the phone right away and answers:
- Meet me at the large car park at Cardiff Bay .
We are going around a bit at Cardiff Bay while waiting for the former fighter . Down by the harbor we see Norwegian flag waving in the wind. They are not raised in honor of Solskjær or the Norwegian players who have come to the club. Flag poles are outside the Norwegian Church , which is now a cultural center . Cardiff was known for having the biggest coal port in the world . The tremendous growth in coal exports coincided with the growth in the Norwegian fleet . From the mid 1800s until World War II trampled thousands of Norwegian sailors streets of Cardiff. During this period the church was an important focal point . The father of author Roald Dahl came here and started shipping . Son Roald was baptized in the Norwegian church. The Welsh - Norwegian Society still has several events a year where Norwegians in Cardiff and descendants of Norwegian sailors meet.
' Annis Abraham '
Annis Abraham comes sisters against us. From a distance, he reminds about soccer and actor Vinnie Jones. We go into the Wales Millennium Centre , Cardiff's main cultural venue located right by the parking garage. A choir is singing a bit beyond us at the entrance . Abraham gives us a 20 minute lesson on ståa Cardiff City before we manage to interject that it might be nice to find a place to sit.
- Many of those attending the game tonight was not there when we were a lousy team . I have had season tickets for 41 years . Nine of seasons we played in the fourth division. I have been to Darlington , Hartlepool ... where they were then, they now dress in red? I like that we have been a family club, but we have lost the passion and identity . The club must not forget us who were there from the beginning. We who have breathed football throughout his life, says Abraham .
In short, the story of Abraham for a club that has sold the soul to a filthy rich man who lives seven time zones away from Cardiff. The man called Vincent Tan and comes from Malaysia. He has lent the club hundreds of millions in recent years. The massive spending paid off last year when the team was ready for the top flight for the first time in over 50 years. Before promotion season demanded Tan at The Blue Birds were playing in red. He thought it was a color that would bring happiness and a red layer would be easier to market in Asia. According to Abraham were posed an ultimatum to supporters : Red or dead . Abraham is one of many who have refused to give their support to Tan as long as the team plays in red. As casual he never used the blue shirt. Members of the Soul Crew went in designer clothes Lacoste . But when the club was red , he pulled the blue Cardiff jersey over his head.
Fans' dissatisfaction with Tan is not just the new suits. They also reacted strongly when the team's former coach , Malky Mackay, was fired before Christmas. It was Mackay who created the Premier League.
- Tan is a clever businessman , but he could nothing about football. We will remind him of what he is doing wrong every single day . He knows that we will never give us. In the old days we kicked the doors of the boardroom and stormed the pitch when we did not like what happened in the club, says Abraham .
He attended his first game in 1973. 12 years old , he was beaten up in an away game against West Ham . Abraham was not intimidated. He felt at home in the club - fighting and rivalry games made just more exciting . Today , he describes it as a kind of dope .
- We were a bad team then. But even though we were poor , I would that we should be the best in the stands. I thought I was fighting for the club, for the city. That was what drove me , says Abraham , adding:
- Away teams said it was worse to play against us than Galatasaray . When we got the new stadium supporters were split.
He misses the atmosphere and the singing was at Ninian Park , while he is happy that the time of fighting and mass arrests are over.
- It could get out of control, and there were some ugly episodes. But the violence I have seen in bars is ten times worse. I will not condemn those involved . It was part of growing up. We did not attack the common people , or the fans who attended shirt. Fight Fighting took place between equal .
Hundreds of supporters are no longer fight. But as long as it is fully in the crowd , according to Abraham that the boycott has little going for it . He wants all who oppose the club plays in red show up and show their displeasure by dressing up in blue.
- When we played well down the divisions , I dreamed that one day we would meet teams like Manchester United and Liverpool in the league. But my dream did not come true . We played in red at home against Manchester United! We are no longer Cardiff City.
On the way over to a pub just off Millennium Centre Abraham takes a break from football and talk about his background .
- My father grew up here . Before it was called Tiger Bay . It was a rough area where there were many foreigners. But they were a community . They looked after each other .
At the end of the 50th century began the father of Abraham, the first night club in Cardiff. The father had great success and ran after each nightclubs in many other cities . Abraham pulls out one of his books and shows a picture of himself and Tom Jones. Jones became a household name after his father allowed him to play at their clubs . Abraham even began to work on one of his father's clubs when he was 12.
- When I was at the fight, demanded my father that I came back and worked from nine in the evening - it was probably good for me , otherwise I would have ended up in even more trouble than I did.
Abraham says he is a nostalgia , that he might not belong in the modern football. The town he grew up in has also changed dramatically over the last 30 years . In the early 60 's there was barely coal exports again in Cardiff. A decade later, the steel industry laid dead. The harbor area became a wasteland. Only towards the end of the 80's took the city politicians grip. Today, Cardiff Bay compared with Aker Brygge with its huge cultural buildings , fancy restaurants and upscale apartments. From being a tired industrial city is Cardiff has been a city that emphasized both in travel magazines and when done rankings of the UK's best cities to live in.
- The city looks nice , but it has lost its roots , says Abraham .
For many, Wales better known for rugby than football. Right in town is the Millennium Stadium as each year draws tens of thousands of rugby fans when Wales plays . When Abraham grew up in the 60 - and 70 - century football associated with noise and hooligans . He says that it is only in the past that wealthy investors are willing to invest in football in the city. Abraham believes it is a myth that rugby is more popular than football in Cardiff.
- Those who watch rugby do it three times a year . Cardiff Rugby draws no more than 4,000 spectators . When we went to Wembley , we sold 40,000 tickets and we could have easily sold 40,000 , says Abraham, referring to the FA Cup final in 2008.
- Football interest is massive. We could become a giant. It was also the vision of Sam Hammam before he ran out of money , says Abraham .
Sam Hammam bought Cardiff City after he sold out of Wimbledon. Hammam would first change its name to " The Cardiff Celts ". He also wanted to change the team color to green , red and white. Hammams vision was that the whole of Wales would gather around Cardiff. But after long discussions with the players and the fans he walked away from this. Abraham was one of the supporters he spoke most.
Although Cardiff has many fans outside the city, few people believe that it is possible to Welsh public to rally around the club. The biggest rival to Cardiff is not Manchester United or Liverpool, but Swansea. When these two Welsh teams play against each other supporters must have a police escort .
Cardiff supporter Carl Curtis , who lives at the doorstep of Swansea, takes us on a drive to the home of Neath . The car also sits daughter Angharad ( 12).
- How many Cardiff fans are there in your school ? Ask your father .
- Five - Six reply Angharad .
- And how many is that?
- 1100 . Almost everyone supports Swansea, says Angharad and smiles .
Carl Curtis says that the rivalry between these two teams is carried off the pitch . When Cardiff moved up from third to second division in 2003 after the victory against Queens Park Rangers , Swansea fans trooped up the neighborhood to Curtis .
- They went into a pub and smashed inventory. When we came back from Cardiff police waited on us at the station. That's it. They went down the pub even though we were not there !
Most workplace Curtis Swansea supporters . When Cardiff lose, dread he began to go to work.
- After a loss , they can sing and bully me a whole day. They never give up . Something is funny ...
- But you 're not laughing ?
- No. Or the . I'll take me a mask. Inside me I feel a rage.
When Cardiff beat Swansea earlier in the season he went in blue shirt at work for a whole week . Curtis, who writes a blog about Cardiff for the South Wales Echo , has never been a hooligan . But he likes the rivalry .
- It's good for the mood with a little hate, bullying and rivalry - to a point . I do not want my kids to see fighting. I do not want it to be physical .
Football in Wales has always been a working class sport. And Curtis believes it is still the case .
- But that's about to change. At Ninian Park could never been VIP grandstands for people with lots of money . We have now. Therefore I think it is so important that we continue to go on away games , we have a service to those who come from the same background as myself . Otherwise I'm afraid the atmosphere is lost .
38 -year-old grew up in harsh conditions.
- I would not even call it a working environment. I grew up in an area where most people went on welfare . My stepfather did not work .
Curtis explains that his stepfather was violent.
- For me, football is a way out . I just wanted out and kick the ball . I slept in my suit at night . My whole life was about football, says Curtis , adding:
- I will not dwell too much on it - but children who grow up in homes with domestic violence are often quiet. They say nothing about what is going on. I got clear out a lot of anger when I went to a football game .
Curtis estimates that he currently uses half position at the club throughout the year . Fans who want tickets or who will be involved in away games calling him around the clock.
- For me this is pleasurable . The stress I have from work and more energized when I do this.
Like Abraham, he fights against the club's decision to let the team play in red. He also believes that it was high time that the team got a new stadium . Curtis also points out that Vincent Tan with their investments have yielded important club facilities including a state of the art training facility . But the struggle to preserve its identity , he will continue .
- There will be more protests. So much I can say.
The fans also fear that Tan should make earnest of his desire to replace the club's Bluebird logo with a dragon.
- I pray to God that nothing happens . If that happens, I feel what I do. I've been a football fan ever since I was 4-5 years. What should I do on Saturdays if I can not go to battle?
On match day we go home to Annis Abraham . At the gate to the property reads " Ninian Park ." Abraham takes us into the office and keeps up the folder with all seasonal cards , before he displays clips of their favorite player Jason Perry.
- See that Perry is similar to Solskjaer ! It's incredible , exclaims Abraham .
He has even met Solskjaer .
- Solskjaer has approached the fans. He understands that football is religion for us. It sets we very much appreciate . We will not withdraw our displeasure at him .
In the garage there is no room for cars . Boxes of books produced and the effects of a 40 years long supporterliv takes up all the space. The lawn is taken from Ninian Park . In the corner of the garden stands a small grandstand .
Abraham gets in his car along with eldest daughter ANNAIS and heading to the pub supporter .
- A few years ago could not be fans show up there. Today it is a family place, says Abraham .
Previously it happened that Cardiff fans stopped buses to away teams that passed the pub.
- When Huddersfield was here in 1983 we kicked the doors and pulled them out of the bus . But today I realize that such behavior does not result in anything good with it . I tell young people that they should not become like us. It's not worth it . Today you get long prison sentences and 10 year ban .
It was only when the team got a new stadium that hooligan environment was dissolved . Number of season tickets sold has increased immensely , and today comes closer to 30,000 in battle when Cardiff player.
It's three hours before the game when we arrive at the pub filled up with bluebirds . A lady comes over and says that she is boycotting home games even though she has season tickets. Another supporter is unsure if she enters .
- I need to check if I'm banned.
In the Premier League Cardiff City reputedly the highest number of supporters who are banned from entering the battle.
Neil McEvoy , councilor in Cardiff, greet Abraham and have a chat .
- I have supported the club all his life. This fight is about much more than the color of the shirt . The fans feel alienated. I have not come across it happened with Malky . It is embarrassing. For me this is also about ethics and loyalty, says McEvoy and adds:
- The only thing more unpredictable than football is politics .
The approaching battle. Abraham and daughter go to the stadium, along the infamous Sloper Road.
- This area was completely covered by the police when we played at Ninian Park . There were horses and dogs everywhere, says Abraham .
- The park on the other side could look like a battlefield after the fighting.
Passing the new residential houses that were put up there Ninian Park was before.
- Is not it sad ? asks Abraham .
At a roadside waving the Norwegian flag in the wind. The scarves sold are blue. Inside the arena crowd begins to fill .
- This could be anywhere, groans Abraham and threw out his arms.
- If this had been Ninian Park , we'd already sung .
0-1 becomes 0-2 . Abraham leaving the stadium with unhappy bluebirds . On the way back to the pub , he says that if this had been a match against West Ham in the 80s would motorbikes stood in fire on Sloper Road. Just after going Abraham enjoys a chat with two young West Ham fans. He pats them on the back and wish them a good trip back to London - before he goes home to their own on the Ninian Park Pub .
jens.marius.saether @ dagsavisen.no
link
http://www.dagsavisen.no/nye-inntrykk/r ... s-blafans/
Annis Abraham and one of his daughter Tilly aged 4.
link
http://www.dagsavisen.no/nye-inntrykk/r ... s-blafans/
Annis Abraham and one of his daughter Tilly aged 4.
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Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sat Jan 18, 2014 11:39 pm
It's an interesting article, but it sounds like its be written by Yoda.... 
Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sat Jan 18, 2014 11:42 pm
londontaffia wrote:It's an interesting article, but it sounds like its be written by Yoda....
I know what u mean
Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 12:01 am
Hmmm good read it is hmmmmm 
#YodaIsABluebird
#YodaIsABluebird
Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 12:17 am
AJ1927 wrote:Hmmm good read it is hmmmmm
#YodaIsABluebird
Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 12:27 am
Good write-up!
Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:46 am
great article , a really good read.
Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:53 am
llangainbluebird wrote:Good write-up!
Cheers
Re: " A FOOTBALL CLUB IS NOT A CLUB/IT IS A FAMILY "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:53 am
Grumpyguts wrote:great article , a really good read.
Thanks
I thought they did an honest article, 8 pages in their paper
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:07 am
CCFC 
--------- A GOOD READ AND TRUTHFUL, OF WHAT WHERE AND WHEN. WEAR THE BLUE.
--------- A GOOD READ AND TRUTHFUL, OF WHAT WHERE AND WHEN. WEAR THE BLUE.
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:11 am
Fair play to the Norwegians!
Great read
Great read
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:12 am
taffy123 wrote:CCFC
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:12 am
worcester_ccfc wrote:Fair play to the Norwegians!
Great read
Ned, For once the media were Honest and no back stabbing
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:16 am
Good read.You never used to wear any colours annis now your head to toe in blue,reminds me of that famous Pompey fan.
Are you no longer a casual ?
Are you no longer a casual ?
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:20 am
Iceburg Blue wrote:Good read.You never used to wear any colours annis now your head to toe in blue,reminds me of that famous Pompey fan.
Are you no longer a casual ?
I know him, he is mad, but passionate.
I still wear Casual clothes as I still love the fashion, but at home games and most away its now BLUE for me, its my form of protest
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:29 am
Very interesting read!
Nice to get to know more about the fans,club and the Cardiff towns history.
When I first came on here only 2-3 weeks ago and saw the picture in your profile Annis,I thought yes that must be a picture of Vinnie Jones
Nice to get to know more about the fans,club and the Cardiff towns history.
When I first came on here only 2-3 weeks ago and saw the picture in your profile Annis,I thought yes that must be a picture of Vinnie Jones
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:32 am
Rune1973 wrote:Very interesting read!
Nice to get to know more about the fans,club and the Cardiff towns history.
When I first came on here only 2-3 weeks ago and saw the picture in your profile Annis,I thought yes that must be a picture of Vinnie Jones
Thank you Rune, many times Ive been told that.
I hope the article tells other people the true history of our fans/club/City
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:49 am
Forever Blue wrote:Rune1973 wrote:Very interesting read!
Nice to get to know more about the fans,club and the Cardiff towns history.
When I first came on here only 2-3 weeks ago and saw the picture in your profile Annis,I thought yes that must be a picture of Vinnie Jones
Thank you Rune, many times Ive been told that.
I hope the article tells other people the true history of our fans/club/City
It is fantastic to read about the passion and support you guys have shown to your Club!
I really hope that every Bluebird gets a new positive boost in the time to come
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:50 am
Forever Blue wrote:Iceburg Blue wrote:Good read.You never used to wear any colours annis now your head to toe in blue,reminds me of that famous Pompey fan.
Are you no longer a casual ?
I know him, he is mad, but passionate.
I still wear Casual clothes as I still love the fashion, but at home games and most away its now BLUE for me, its my form of protest
protest at the rebrand
I bet there's more blue in the stadium now than ever before,it's a sea of blue.You have young children as well annis,i never used to wear colours but when i take my kids they especially like putting their city gear on so i have to join in as well.The city is a family day out for me and you by the looks.
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:51 am
Rune1973 wrote:Forever Blue wrote:Rune1973 wrote:Very interesting read!
Nice to get to know more about the fans,club and the Cardiff towns history.
When I first came on here only 2-3 weeks ago and saw the picture in your profile Annis,I thought yes that must be a picture of Vinnie Jones
Thank you Rune, many times Ive been told that.
I hope the article tells other people the true history of our fans/club/City
It is fantastic to read about the passion and support you guys have shown to your Club!
I really hope that every Bluebird gets a new positive boost in the time to come
Thank you, I really hope we can get our identity back, BLUE and stay up, I am hoping for a Dream to come True
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 11:53 am
Iceburg Blue wrote:Forever Blue wrote:Iceburg Blue wrote:Good read.You never used to wear any colours annis now your head to toe in blue,reminds me of that famous Pompey fan.
Are you no longer a casual ?
I know him, he is mad, but passionate.
I still wear Casual clothes as I still love the fashion, but at home games and most away its now BLUE for me, its my form of protest
protest at the rebrand
I bet there's more blue in the stadium now than ever before,it's a sea of blue.You have young children as well annis,i never used to wear colours but when i take my kids they especially like putting their city gear on so i have to join in as well.The city is a family day out for me and you by the looks.
You sound like myself, my children changed me and they are BLUE BLUE BLUE
Like I say I still love the Casual wear
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 12:46 pm
Proper journalism seeks a deeper truth. good article.
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 2:29 pm
Blue_Always wrote:Proper journalism seeks a deeper truth. good article.
Correct, not like the Sun/News of the World
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 8:24 pm
Good read that , Annis you seem to be struggling with that bike
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:06 pm
Great Read Annis and some great pictures of the family. Remember we will always be BLUE
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:30 pm
Xcasual wrote:Good read that , Annis you seem to be struggling with that bike
Cheers.
I was fed up of the children bringing everything out, but never taking them back
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:32 pm
Ystrad Bluebird wrote:Great Read Annis and some great pictures of the family. Remember we will always be BLUE
Thanks and yes I love the photos,I a going to get some printed off, they are sending me the paper over, it made front/back page and 6 pages inside of one of their National papers.
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Sun Jan 19, 2014 10:35 pm
Forever Blue wrote:worcester_ccfc wrote:Fair play to the Norwegians!
Great read
Ned, For once the media were Honest and no back stabbing
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Mon Jan 20, 2014 7:24 pm
A nice article, fair play. 12 years old in 1973 ? Didn't do you any favours there though !
Re: Norwegian Media " WE WILL ALWAYS BE BLUE "
Mon Jan 20, 2014 9:06 pm
rhondda 1015 wrote:A nice article, fair play. 12 years old in 1973 ? Didn't do you any favours there though !
Its the way they wrote it up
Cheers