This isn’t a column about football. It’s much bigger than that.

It’s been 28 years since Scotland’s men’s team last played in a World Cup.  I should know - I was there in France 98 with my partner.  He was there for the football and has been a dedicated member of the Tartan Army ever since.  To be honest, not being a big football fan, I confess I was simply there for the party – and what a party it was.

I’ve spoken in the past about how I’m not a football follower, but I know all too well the societal force for good that football can provide away from the pitch. 

Whether that’s the Fans Supporting Foodbanks, who have been regulars at demonstrations and STUC events throughout the years, or the community arms of the various clubs across the country who use football as vehicle to embed equality, cohesion and anti-poverty programmes within their communities, the sport really is more than 90 minutes.

Why working-class struggle stories still matter in film and theatre

Warm words at STUC Congress, but no bold plan for Scotland’s future

Nationalised industry is good for workers and good for communities

Where democracy still works: inside the STUC Congress in Dundee

But if there’s one thing that will make the public recoil in mega cringe are the try-hards and fakers within our commentariat and politics that cosplay as fans.  Football has, in of itself, become a political football; an overt marketing tool for politicians to try and claim some working-class brownie points they think will appeal to the masses.

There’s a litany of inglorious examples – David Cameron getting caught out for his supposed support for West Ham........

© Herald Scotland