The popularity of the Premier League, the top tier of English football, is one of the factors that draws migrants to the UK, according to some of the asylum seekers who have attempted to cross the Channel from France. The Express.co.uk spoke to some of them in Boulogne-sur-Mer, where they shared their passion for the sport and their hopes for a better life.
A failed attempt to reach the UK
On a cold September morning, a group of around 25 migrants boarded a bus in Le Portel, a small fishing town near Boulogne-sur-Mer, after their boat was intercepted by the French police. They had tried to cross the Channel, the world’s busiest shipping lane, in a perilous journey that has claimed many lives.
The migrants, most of whom were from Ethiopia and Eritrea, were weary and disconsolate. They did not want to talk much about their ordeal, except for one young man named Yacob, who claimed he was from Holland and had lived in Switzerland for ten years. He said he had nothing left there and wanted to go to the UK.
A love for football and the Premier League
As they waited for the train to Calais, where they would try again to reach their destination, some of the migrants found a way to cheer themselves up: playing football. They kicked around a scuffed blue and white ball in a small square across the road from the station, smiling and laughing for the first time that day.
They also expressed their admiration for the Premier League, which they said was the best league in the world. They named their favourite teams and players, such as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City, West Ham United, Everton, Aston Villa, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Newcastle United, Norwich City, Watford and Brentford; Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Kevin De Bruyne, Romelu Lukaku and many more.
They said they watched the matches on TV or online whenever they could. They said they dreamed of going to see them live in the stadiums. They said they hoped to find work and settle in the UK, where they believed they would have more opportunities and freedom than in their home countries or elsewhere in Europe.
A contrast with Germany’s response
The migrants’ love for football and the Premier League contrasts with Germany’s response to the refugee crisis. Germany has opened its borders to people fleeing conflict in the Middle East and elsewhere. It has also shown its solidarity through its football clubs and fans.
Bayern Munich pledged €1m to projects supporting refugees. Schalke invited 100 refugees to their first home game of the season. Dortmund and Bremen organised clothing and toy collections. Other clubs followed suit with similar initiatives. The fans displayed banners welcoming immigrants in their stadiums.
Germany’s football culture is known for its close relationship with its communities. It promotes good governance, democracy and fan involvement in decision-making. It also reflects Germany’s collective identity and team spirit.
A challenge for the UK government and society
The migrants’ attraction to the Premier League poses a challenge for the UK government and society. The UK has been reluctant to accept more refugees than its quota. It has spent millions on erecting fences in Calais and other measures to deter illegal crossings. It has faced criticism from human rights groups and international organisations for its handling of the situation.
The UK also has a problem with racism and xenophobia in some sectors of its population. Some football fans have booed players who take a knee before matches as a gesture against discrimination. Some have also abused players online or in person for their ethnicity or performance.
The UK needs to find a balance between its security interests and its humanitarian obligations. It also needs to foster a more inclusive and tolerant environment for its diverse people. Football can play a role in this process by promoting dialogue, understanding and respect among different groups.
