We all have to make decisions every day that are morally questionable. Most of us in the UK are sitting in houses heated by gas which probably comes from the middle east, we drive cars powered by middle east petrol and, as many have said, we buy products almost every day that have dubious origins.
But we need to have some principles, some things that are unacceptable to us. I bought a second hand phone, buy ethical or second hand clothes and ride a bike as much as possible. But I've still got to use many products that contribute to the problems in the world.
I've not answered the poll because I don't think any apply to me, it's not black and white. If the club gets bought by a middle east oil state my attachment to the club will start to die. It will not happen over night but it will fade. I'll watch less Liverpool games, go to my local league 1 team, focus more of my free time on non football stuff.
As a society we tolerate the dubious practices of the middle east states because we have created a society that is dependent on their oil. It's also true that we had a significant role in creating their societies through our historic and ongoing behaviour, including invading and killing them. Our dependence on oil and gas needs to stop. New petrol cars and gas boilers will be banned in the next 10 years in this country. Maybe in 15 years we'll be a lot less tolerant of the oil states behaviour. The EU investigation into alleged Quatari bribes might contribute to some changing attitudes.
10 years ago football clubs all wanted Russian money but that didn't last long. I was talking to an Arsenal fan recently and he reminded me that Usmanov owned a big chunk of that club. Most of the Arsenal fans wanted Kronke to sell up and f**k off. Would Arsenal be in a better place today with Usmanov as owner? They may have more trophies but they'd have less respect.
If the club get bought by an oil state we might have a few years of glory but I would prefer a club with long term stability and a club that still has a soul.
Keith- good thread.
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