RIYADH, 23 January 2008 — For the homesick English, Manchester United game with Al-Hilal on Monday was a chance not to miss.
British citizens represent the largest European community in the Kingdom with more than 20,000 people and the match was a golden opportunity for many of them to see their team sweat it out thousands of miles from home.
With a seating capacity of 75,000, King Fahd International Stadium welcomed 5,000 British spectators, Mobily spokesman Hmoud Algubaini told Arab News, adding that 65,000 tickets were sold in two days. Some British companies brought tickets in lump sum for their employees to watch the Red Devils — one major company bought 2,000 tickets.
“The United games have given us a great taste of home,” said Ian, a Brit, working at a telecom company in Riyadh. “Actually I have never been to a football game in my life! But I just thought it would be an interesting night out.”
Allen Bows, from Manchester, has been living in Riyadh for seven months, said: “My two sons and I are die-hard Manchester United fans.”
“So when the chance came to see our team in Riyadh, it could not be missed.”
Bows’ eight-year-old son said that he was looking forward to the Manchester United game because he wanted to see Wayne Rooney.
But it seems that English loyalty for their favorite teams has prevented some of them from supporting the Red Devils. Collin Christi, who is passionate about Newcastle United, preferred to buy an Al-Hilal flag and sit besides the Hilalis.
“The night is fantastic because it is the first time for me to attend a match in Saudi Arabia, and it will not be the last. Fans here are more friendly than in the UK where the atmosphere tends to be aggressive.”
