October 18, 2007
Depressed in Russia
I keep being told that there is no such thing as the rule of law here in Russia. And now I know it’s true. That was never a penalty.
For those of you who have not been following events in Moscow, I refer to the Russia-England football match, and the unjustly awarded spot kick that turned the game. This evening I had decided to give maximum space to my inner moron – and so quietly excused myself from a dinner with Russian NGOs, in favour of watching the match on television. All England needed was a draw – and with just 20 minutes to go, we were winning. Wayne Rooney – that epitome of all that is finest in English manhood – had put England ahead. But then came the imaginary penalty, awarded against poor, bewildered Rooney. Then another Russian goal (fluke) – and we had lost.
After this debacle, I can feel my attitude to Putin’s Russia hardening. I feel pretty sorry for myself - but even sorrier for the English supporters. My flight over to Moscow was stuffed with them. Who are these people with the money and the time to fly to Russia in the middle of the week to watch a football match? Not many of the fans on the plane struck me as the kind of people with private incomes. I asked one of them, why he was doing it and he replied – “We are England” – an impressive, if bafflingly terse response.
In response to Pacifist’s taunting question – no, I didn’t have a bet on the match. I couldn’t find a branch of Ladbrokes on Novy Arbat. (There are plenty of McDonalds however - although that will be of no interest to you, given your boycott of American products.)
And in response to any questions my editors might have – yes, I am working hard. I have had all sort of high-level meetings of a secret nature. I will be writing about those in due course.
Football as a spectator sport has just become another industry, as evidenced by your flight companions who seem to be consuming the product wholeheartedly. Do not take things too much to heart (unless you happen to have real money placed on a game, which is another story in any case).
It is probably more interesting to develop the Russian market than pander to the UK’s more mature one. In any event, even in Brasil a spot of controversy has historically done no real damage to what is after all a very successful form mass entertainment.
Look forward to hearing your analysis on more interesting issues (I do not follow football, by the way).
Posted by: Posto6 | October 18th, 2007 at 9:39 am | Report this commentDear Mr. Rachman,
Whilst Wayne Rooney may or may not represent all that is finest in British manhood, your article shows some of the most likeable things about the Brits including a self-deprecating sense of humour and the ability to take setbacks in one’s stride.
As for McDonald’s, I have not tasted their products in years but they have been a lifesaver in many cities, including Moscow, where public toilets are hard to come by.
As such, I plead guilty to having a grudging liking for this symbol of Americana!
All the best,
P
Posted by: Pacifist | October 18th, 2007 at 10:09 am | Report this commentDear Mr Rachman,
We entertained four clients in Moscow for the match,they were all UK directors of a very well known high street brand.
Afetr a month of planning and visa apllications,flights,hotels etc…..only one of them could be bothered to go to the concierge desk in the hotel and pick up a ticket.
We dont know where the rest are,it would seem that football has many supporters from die hard fans to corporate liggers - lets not have a repeat last nights farce on Saturday,when we win the World Cup for the second time in a row
I cant think of a single England Rugby fan who couldnt be bothered to pick up a ticket!
Posted by: racer | October 18th, 2007 at 11:22 am | Report this commentWhy don’t you simply say that Putin and FSB organised ‘the imaginary penalty’. That would be in line with the Western paranoia about Russia.
As for the game if you look closely you’ll see the goal by Rooney was scored from off-side. And what about the goal by Russia in London which was disallowed absolutely unfairly.
From politics to sport Britain shows arrogance and disrespect, especially when it’s on the losing side.
Posted by: Andrey | October 19th, 2007 at 8:04 am | Report this commentAndrey, lighten up and learn to spot the irony (I suspect it’ll take a little more than a football match to change GR’s view of Putin’s Russia!)
Sure there’s some paranoia about Russia, some justified, some overblown. But this particular blog displays neither the arrogance or paranoia you refer to. It’s human nature to feel a bit sore after your team’s defeated - don’t read geopolitical messages into that!
Posted by: DM | October 19th, 2007 at 8:57 am | Report this commentOf course, it goes without saying that any complaints about referreeing that other sides might have had during the RWC are entirely without foundation…
Posted by: David | October 19th, 2007 at 9:03 am | Report this commentH Andrey,
I know a few Russians in London and they all appreciate ironic sense of humour such as that displayed in the above article. I think you should read it in that spirit.
Best,
P
Posted by: Pacifist | October 19th, 2007 at 9:53 am | Report this commentI support US on many issues including the Iraqi war and the War on Terror but I do think that fears abotu Russia are overgrown. I live in the West and hope to do so in the future but I don’t see Russia as a threat.
For example after the speech yesterday when he talked about ‘modernising russian weaponry’, western media took it as a threat, though USA does same thing all the time and they don’t look at it as a threat. Russia does what they do not to hurt USA but not to be hurt by USA.
But I do think that Russian approach to Iran is the wrong one and it should get tougher as Russia doesn’t want to live with nuclear Iran in the end anyways. Who knows who ayatollas will be hating in 15 years when Russia and China become strong.
Posted by: Chen | October 19th, 2007 at 7:25 pm | Report this commentSir
There is nothing like depression in Russia when you look at the jobs opportunities that are coming up. Yes, it is true you may have to learn Russian language if you do not know this but the picture, otherwise, I see is rosy, as I firmly believe that Putin wants the Russia to be in line with the so-called democratic country. As such with veto going around I see the big farce about the well-spoken politicians who want democracy in every corner of the world. Tell me, what is democracy? Is it not what the people wants?
Then why the veto? Well Putin has the power ns is executive. Russia is shopping in the far Western countries for what the West wants to sale (cannot run efficiently, through lack of the democratic moments)
I thank you
Posted by: Firozali A.Mulla MBA PhD | October 24th, 2007 at 11:57 pm | Report this commentFirozali A.Mulla
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