FA Cup Final Reaction

Having had a couple of days to now unwind and take-in the events of the last few days, I'm feeling like talking about it at last!
Or rather, finding out what everyone else has said about it.

And that has been overwhelmingly positive. From the moment I arrived in London (on the Thursday before the game) all media coverage about the two sides was positive. Everyone concerned was pleased it wasn't the same teams as ever in the final, who would likely produce the same soporific, tactical bore of a game that had been so common.

The media were also pleased that the fans were so involved in the game, that the fans were "genuine" fans, who had seen their clubs through thin and thinner times. Yes the romance was well and truly back in the FA Cup Final. This would have been the case with any of the four semi-finalists to make it through, I was just lucky that Cardiff City were one of them.

Before, during and after the game, the atmosphere was one of passionate but friendly support for one's team, and a general feeling that everyone was there first and foremost for a good day out and may the best team win. And this was still the case after the game as well. Celebrating Portsmouth fans were clapping the coaches of disappointed Cardiff fans out of the car park, as the Cardiff fans returned the gesture, congratulating the Portsmouth fans on their victory.

I met several Portsmouth fans in and around Wembley and our hotel over the weekend, and to a man they congratulated us on our performance, wished us luck in the coming season, and hoped we'd be getting promoted to the Premiership to join them soon.

And these are the type of events that have been reported and celebrated in the national media, even more-so after the horrendous actions of Glasgow Rangers fans in Manchester during the previous week. Reported and celebrated in all but one national media outlet that is. TalkSport (or TalkSpite... and other variations... as it has been called) have decided to attack Cardiff fans and their general behaviour for no reason and with no evidence whatsoever. So for what good it may do, if you happen to listen to this tragedy of a radio station, please stop now and realise that they will happily attack anyone that doesn't fit their "identity". Letters and e-mails of complaint have been written to Ofcom about their accusations from both Cardiff AND Portsmouth fans. Hopefully we will receive a full apology, but for some reason I'm not holding my breath!