Just Football?

How d'you convince those that refuse to hear
That it's not all hooligans fighting and beer?
To many supporters it's a way of life
To some, an excuse for a break from the wife.
For relief from those everyday stresses and strains
We'll travel long distance - cars, buses or trains.
Caught up in it all, anonymity is found,
To the conformists ideals we are no longer bound.
The supporters chants - full of razor sharp wit,
Whatever the occasion, there's a song that'll fit.
Quips shouted out for missed goals or missed passes,
Universally heard, "Oi ref, where's your glasses?"
Sometimes predictable, sometimes a pleasure,
At times, the unexpected wins we most treasure.
A chance to meet friends, catch up with some news,
Hold your head in your hands, go home with the blues.
No two matches the same, sometimes caught by surprise,
Others hardly daring to open your eyes.
Some defeats are harder than others to take -
Some games it's more than just pride that's at stake.
It's not just a game - it's so much more,
Because so many things can depend on "that score".
Businessmen, families, all creeds and all races,
The pain or the joy will be shown on their faces.
All this and more together is found
Inside the shrine we call - The Football Ground.