The lead up to this World Cup was filled with concerns for safety of fans and political tension between England and Russia. We are now nearly a week into the tournament and the headlines have all been about the great quality football, particularly from the home nation and the outstanding behaviour of the fans.
Japan fans had plenty to celebrate yesterday after they beat Colombia but rather than rushing off after the game finished to continue celebrating, many of their fans were pictured collecting up their rubbish to ensure the stadium was left in immaculate condition, just how they found it when they got there.
A respectful gesture from Japan and Senegal fans
This is my favourite moment of the World Cup so far; Japan fans picking up litter after their victory vs Columbia. The lessons in life we can take from the game. Why I support 🇯🇵 #class✅#respect✅#WorldCup pic.twitter.com/FyYLhAGDbi
— Christopher McKaig (@Coachmckaig) June 19, 2018
It was a wonderful reflection on the great manners of the nation and later on when Senegal played Poland, their fans were seen doing the same. Videos showed fans collecting litter and placing it all into one neat pile, ready to be taken away. We have seen the Respect campaign driven by the FA to embed positive behaviour and fans from around the world could learn a thing or two about the lovely gesture made by these two sets of fans yesterday. Respecting the hosting country by not littering and behaving in a good manner is the minimum you should expect from fans when they are visiting other countries that have welcomed them in.
Unfortunately, football fans are not renowned for their great ability to clear up after themselves and you will often see plastic cups and wrappers discarded on the floor at football grounds. Sometimes it is down to mess caused when fans erupt into celebration but more commonly it is laziness and the way that it has almost become acceptable to leave rubbish for the stadium staff to collect. A little consideration can go a long way and this World Cup is highlighting a lot of positives so far.