ESR not clapping the fans

[Whitestone]

This is a non story like so much journalism these days.

[Motspur]

So what? The amount of crap that gets directed towards players on this website if that's the general view towards our players then I wouldn't applaud these idiot followers.
Just like the drivel that consumed the Summer Transfer Thread; my god talk about egos on views being submitted. If players read this website why would they ever sign for Fulham? Anyway this is my first post for a year or so and this subject just made me think what sort of 'Fan' would even think these thoughts? Good night.

[perry geyton]

I'm not bothered what he does as long as he plays well, all that kissing the badge stuff is all nonsense nowadays anyways

[General]

That's four appearances now, including two evening games requiring significant effort on the part of the fans, where ESR has not bothered to give us a clap at the end of the game or when being substituted (as has happened three times and where there is obvious opportunity).

I do not like this.

I do not expect him to love Fulham straight away, or any of our players to truly do so really, but I do expect that the players show some appreciation to those that make it possible for them to live the way they do (us).

This is not a post about his performances, rather his apparent attitude towards having signed for Fulham. I hope he starts to show a bit more interest about being here and gratitude towards us for giving him the opportunity.

IMO

This is a very selfish point of view tbh, why does a player have to clap anyone? Your feelings shouldn't be an arbiter preceding those of the team and how they play on the pitch in my view. hate to say it, but whilst to a football club fans are the life blood, to players the priority is the game, and being able to play. Your sensitivity about whether he's acknowledging you is toxic and just not that important to be honest. I'd much rather have a player who does well and gets his head down to get the results on the pitch over pandering to fans needs and wants, which are often just an unnecessary and unqualified distraction.

There are many reasons why a player may not be in the moment enough to clap fans. ESr could simply be taking the time to reflect, he's a quiet guy, so it says to me he's thoughtful and introspective - the worst case scenario is it's a lot of negative self talk that he can't manage.. the other could be that he's just very focused on reflecting on his performances in the moment, how his fitness was, whether he got that shot off - with a focus on trying to improve.


How many times have we seen fans want one thing, a player to be not played, to be sold, suggesting they don't rate the player or want something from a player from their couch, only for the player to prove them wrong or make the fans eat their words.

This isn't a game, it's not this touchy feely gen z thing where everyone's opinions should be pandered too, it's professional, high level and competitive football with all of it's own emotional dynamics that take priority over those of fans wanting to be clapped.

Even players who do clap don't always do so. With all due respect, you/noone has a god given right to just expect it because you may have paid some money to go to a game. You made that choice and have continued to do so regardless of the players at the club, the quality of their performances etc. so stop being so sensitive.

On top of that he left his boyhood club and a lot of his friends at a time when he had a desire to play at Arsenal... he's only ever said positive things about being at Fulham since he's signed - stating the whole experience has been amazing so far (mentioned after goal in Leicester post match interview).

Give the guy a break. I can't imagine you'd like it for being judged in the same way as you're judging him for such meaningless reasons.

Plus, I'm also pretty certain I've seen at least one or two photos of ESR clapping whilst at a match on social media.. so I'm not even 100% sure you're even saying something that's true.

A very bizarre response here. One of the strangest I've received I would say.

As if the counter factual statement about football not being a game wasnt odd enough, somehow having a pop at gen z made an appearance? An odd criticism more befitting of a rant in a daily mail comment - and I should think beneath you.

I accept people can have different opinions to me on this. That to others it may not be important whether a player claps or not, and that my interpretation that it shows a lack of interest or gratitude may be unfair. Instead it could be reflective of a more introverted character or shyness, you're right.

As for the rest, is it selfish to think players should acknowledge the support of the fans that enable their lifestyle? I don't think so. It's just an opinion with which you are welcome to disagree. I just find it a shame that you would do so in the manner you have.

A strange one to call me toxic given the contents of your own response and its general rudeness

I am sorry. I could've worded it more delicately and should've, you're right.

The general idea of what I wrote has been said in fewer words by others in a much gentler tone. Don't know why I went into that level of detail. Sorry again.

I stand by the premise of what I said, though not the way I did.

I think you may have misread the statement re football being a game. I didn't say it wasn't. What I did say is that a players interests are much more focused on being a football player and playing the game than whether or not they should be clapping, which others have noted is a slightly shallow gesture.

My reference to the criticism initially noted (4 games into his fulham career) re ESR not clapping the fans and you feeling aggrieved by it and feeling it was selfish and to a degree toxic is accompanied I suppose with this additional context from my viewpoint.

Why does any player need to clap fans? Why is there an expectation and in some instances an insistence in it. What does it mean?

At best it's an acknowledgement of fans being there at games to cheer on and support the team and beyond that it may go into acknowledgement of the fact fans spend money and time committing to going to games to do so. I get that.

But where does the need/want or desire to be acknowledged as a fan comes from, especially to the point it criticises a new player who is clearly introverted and could be a good signing for us, particularly so early on in his career. Why isn't there a bit of leniency or understanding that whilst a clap is a 'nice to have' from time to time, it can be somewhat meaningless in terms of a players genuine feelings and slightly shallow/performative.. similar to when players kiss the badge or tap it when scoring only to move on a season later.

I think it's just a case of encouraging a slightly healthier approach and set of expectations, for fans own interests and for clubs.

I'm not sure where the benefit comes to bring criticism to a player and encourage criticism of them publicly when it could highlight negativity in the club when it's not necessary.

That's all.

[karldutton97]

I am not so sure that clapping the fans or kissing the badge is a sincere gesture.

In the days when at least some local boys played for their boyhood club, it could possibly be seen as a sign of appreciation or love for the fans or club we all support.
Do we have a Fulham boy playing for us - Sessegnon maybe - but most are journeyman players and not from the ranks of FFC supporters.

So what is with all this clapping and badge kissing? I've always seen it as so fake.

I wouldn't look in to it too much, He will eventually show loads of appreciation for the club.

[Somerset Fulham]

Honest to f@cking god.

[ffcthereligion]

That's four appearances now, including two evening games requiring significant effort on the part of the fans, where ESR has not bothered to give us a clap at the end of the game or when being substituted (as has happened three times and where there is obvious opportunity).

I do not like this.

I do not expect him to love Fulham straight away, or any of our players to truly do so really, but I do expect that the players show some appreciation to those that make it possible for them to live the way they do (us).

This is not a post about his performances, rather his apparent attitude towards having signed for Fulham. I hope he starts to show a bit more interest about being here and gratitude towards us for giving him the opportunity.

IMO

This is a very selfish point of view tbh, why does a player have to clap anyone? Your feelings shouldn't be an arbiter preceding those of the team and how they play on the pitch in my view. hate to say it, but whilst to a football club fans are the life blood, to players the priority is the game, and being able to play. Your sensitivity about whether he's acknowledging you is toxic and just not that important to be honest. I'd much rather have a player who does well and gets his head down to get the results on the pitch over pandering to fans needs and wants, which are often just an unnecessary and unqualified distraction.

There are many reasons why a player may not be in the moment enough to clap fans. ESr could simply be taking the time to reflect, he's a quiet guy, so it says to me he's thoughtful and introspective - the worst case scenario is it's a lot of negative self talk that he can't manage.. the other could be that he's just very focused on reflecting on his performances in the moment, how his fitness was, whether he got that shot off - with a focus on trying to improve.


How many times have we seen fans want one thing, a player to be not played, to be sold, suggesting they don't rate the player or want something from a player from their couch, only for the player to prove them wrong or make the fans eat their words.

This isn't a game, it's not this touchy feely gen z thing where everyone's opinions should be pandered too, it's professional, high level and competitive football with all of it's own emotional dynamics that take priority over those of fans wanting to be clapped.

Even players who do clap don't always do so. With all due respect, you/noone has a god given right to just expect it because you may have paid some money to go to a game. You made that choice and have continued to do so regardless of the players at the club, the quality of their performances etc. so stop being so sensitive.

On top of that he left his boyhood club and a lot of his friends at a time when he had a desire to play at Arsenal... he's only ever said positive things about being at Fulham since he's signed - stating the whole experience has been amazing so far (mentioned after goal in Leicester post match interview).

Give the guy a break. I can't imagine you'd like it for being judged in the same way as you're judging him for such meaningless reasons.

Plus, I'm also pretty certain I've seen at least one or two photos of ESR clapping whilst at a match on social media.. so I'm not even 100% sure you're even saying something that's true.

A very bizarre response here. One of the strangest I've received I would say.

As if the counter factual statement about football not being a game wasnt odd enough, somehow having a pop at gen z made an appearance? An odd criticism more befitting of a rant in a daily mail comment - and I should think beneath you.

I accept people can have different opinions to me on this. That to others it may not be important whether a player claps or not, and that my interpretation that it shows a lack of interest or gratitude may be unfair. Instead it could be reflective of a more introverted character or shyness, you're right.

As for the rest, is it selfish to think players should acknowledge the support of the fans that enable their lifestyle? I don't think so. It's just an opinion with which you are welcome to disagree. I just find it a shame that you would do so in the manner you have.

A strange one to call me toxic given the contents of your own response and its general rudeness

I am sorry. I could've worded it more delicately and should've, you're right.

The general idea of what I wrote has been said in fewer words by others in a much gentler tone. Don't know why I went into that level of detail. Sorry again.

I stand by the premise of what I said, though not the way I did.

I think you may have misread the statement re football being a game. I didn't say it wasn't. What I did say is that a players interests are much more focused on being a football player and playing the game than whether or not they should be clapping, which others have noted is a slightly shallow gesture.

My reference to the criticism initially noted (4 games into his fulham career) re ESR not clapping the fans and you feeling aggrieved by it and feeling it was selfish and to a degree toxic is accompanied I suppose with this additional context from my viewpoint.

Why does any player need to clap fans? Why is there an expectation and in some instances an insistence in it. What does it mean?

At best it's an acknowledgement of fans being there at games to cheer on and support the team and beyond that it may go into acknowledgement of the fact fans spend money and time committing to going to games to do so. I get that.

But where does the need/want or desire to be acknowledged as a fan comes from, especially to the point it criticises a new player who is clearly introverted and could be a good signing for us, particularly so early on in his career. Why isn't there a bit of leniency or understanding that whilst a clap is a 'nice to have' from time to time, it can be somewhat meaningless in terms of a players genuine feelings and slightly shallow/performative.. similar to when players kiss the badge or tap it when scoring only to move on a season later.

I think it's just a case of encouraging a slightly healthier approach and set of expectations, for fans own interests and for clubs.

I'm not sure where the benefit comes to bring criticism to a player and encourage criticism of them publicly when it could highlight negativity in the club when it's not necessary.

That's all.

No worries general, apology accepted. And I get it, I've gone overboard on here myself more than once over the years. Appreciate it.

Sure. I do understand that people might feel defensive of the player this early on especially as his performances have been good for us. And I also see that in and of itself the presence of a clap doesn't mean the player loves FFC or is genuinely grateful or interested about FFC.

But clapping has become convention and is about acknowledging the support as you say. I am quite sure that if the entire team failed to come over at the end of a game at the cottage or an away game it would be noticed. I do think a connection where there is at least acknowledgement between fans and players matters. That's just my opinion. Others (not saying just you) may feel that's ridiculous and be happy just to watch.

I am generally surprised that others do not appear to share my view here as it was a view I heard echoed by a few different fans on the train home from Ipswich.

[StuinSalop]

All players are individuals, not everyone larks about like Bassey and Iwobi, not everyone is fun like TC, not everyone can do tricks and play the piano like Robinson.  ESR is a young man, probably a bit insecure, trying to get confident and more accustomed to his new environment. I for one, loved his celebration to his goal v Leicester, that was iconic and I look forward to seeing more of that.

[cookieg]

I've just had an email from the club wanting to know why I left before clapping the team after the game. Apparently they were really upset by it.

[Woolly Mammoth]

Maybe he once had the clap and clapping reminds him of it.

I have to say i have not even noticed that, which shows how little attention i take.
 Of course it would be nice to see all players applaud their supporters when they are substituted, especially when supporters travel all over the country to support them through thick and thin.
So why can't players replicate that.

You cannot tell me he is too shy when he spends every match running around watched by thousands at every ground.
He cannot be a Hermit as they do not play team games, only solitaire or patience.

On the other side of the coin he may eventually get round to it and start clapping.
It appears to be standard procedure to clap back at supporters.
However i shall not lose any sleep over it.
It's his choice but it does seem odd not to clap once in all 4, but early days.
I wonder if any Arsenal fans can confirm either way.
 Having said all that i feel Ray Smith in his post had a very rational and balanced  view as to why ESR has yet to provide that.
There is generally a good reason, and in the meantime let us embrace and enjoy watching the player perform.

[Twig]

Seriously, who cares?

[Free Elvis Hammond]

Personally I really like a good mutual clap at the end of a game, particularly away, but it's fundamentally because I'm a bit of a simpleton and it makes me feel nice. It doesn't actually matter or mean anything

[Grassy Noel]

Seriously, who cares?

 

Or would a 'like' be better?