- Jan 18, 2009
- 5,038
I don’t actually disagree with you and mentioned political devolution earlier in the thread, but Euro96 was massive, and first time we saw the nation flooded with the SGC, a year before Blair was elected; so not a minor detail.
I take the point, as this thread highlights the union flag was the symbol of choice for football fans historically. The same flag back in the 80s and 90s that was always connected to far right shenanigans and English hooligans.
In 96 the SGC was an acceptable alternative to the new fans etc. so at that point it was acceptable and ubiquitous as the English fans symbol of choice.
It has since now become associated with far right shenanigans and English hooligans.
It wouldnt matter if the flag was a blue teapot on a yellow field with pink spots some people just have a problem with nationalism and English nationalism in particular. The rise of English nationalism per se is a consequence of devolution and recent waves of immigration.
Plus ca change.