JEDDAH: For many Saudis the UEFA Champions League final between Barcelona and Manchester United is as important as a world cup clash, not only for the fare of football but also for the opportunity to meet and spar over the pros and cons of the match during the tie but also well into the aftermath.
It is an opportunity for young “shababs” to gather in coffee shops and places that broadcast the match and have a great time out.
The final match between Barcelona and Manchester United witnessed huge attendance and some coffee places were fully booked for the event.
Fahmi Al-Katheri, a young Saudi, said that he had to drive a long distance to south Jeddah to watch the final with his friends because most of the tables in coffee shops were booked for the event.
“I am a Chelsea fan and I wanted to see Man. United defeat the Spanish team because they did not deserve to qualify for the final, especially with the injustice that Chelsea faced. Sadly it did not end the way we wanted.”
He said that watching the match in coffee shops has a unique experience especially if fans of both teams are in the same place. “I thank God for the channels that broadcast the UEFA competition. I do not know what would our life be without watching real football?”
“The night feels like a World Cup night,” said Khaled Al-Hazmi, a Liverpool fan and supporter of Barcelona. He added, “The only reason I supported the Spanish team is because of the dislike I carry toward Man. United. It is the UEFA effect. Some of us support Al-Hilal, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli and Al-Nasr nationally. But the same people they have other love when it comes to European teams. You find young Saudis supporting Real Madrid, AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, FC Porto and many other teams. The fever has extended so you see many Saudis busy talking not only about the local Saudi teams but also about other teams. I know some of my friends are not watching the Saudi league as much and they are watching European leagues all the time and gather in coffee shops just to watch it.”
The owner of Sultan Coffee shop said that the decorations of the coffee shop cost him over SR300,000. He said, “There is huge competition during special football nights. The love for football has increased in Saudi Arabia as many Saudis are watching European football. The night of the final match between Barcelona and Manchester United, the place was full and I had to bring in extra chairs so people could sit. In normal days the profit ranges between SR200 to SR2, 600. On these special days, it is over SR3,500 a day.”
He said that even young Saudis who subscribe to channels broadcasting football come to coffee shops because of the sporty atmosphere it provides.
