I don’t think there’s anything wrong with patriotism, especially when it comes to sport. In fact, I believe it’s one of the best parts of it. Flags in windows, anthems sung badly, pints flying across the pub in the last minute — it’s daft, partisan and forgivable fun. For a short while, I reckon we’re all on the same team, and it feels good. Sport gives us that rare excuse to lose ourselves in tribalism without any real harm being done.

When Pride Turns Poisonous

But I believe there’s a line, and nationalism crosses it. Patriotism says, “I love my country.” Nationalism snarls, “My country is better than yours, and if you don’t agree, you don’t belong here.” I reckon the difference is massive. One is warm, silly, and inclusive. The other is brittle, hostile, dangerous and easily exploited by grifters.

How Nationalists Hijack the Fun

From what I’ve seen, nationalists can’t resist spoiling everything for the rest of us. They grab hold of sporting patriotism and twist it into something ugly. It’s like watching someone crash a party, drain the joy out of it, then make everything about them before picking fights. A flag at a football match is a bit of fun; in their hands it becomes a weapon. Suddenly, you can’t hang a flag outside your house without wondering if people think you’ve signed up to some rabid WhatsApp group.

When Flags Stop Being Fun

I don’t think people should have to second-guess whether flying a St George’s Cross makes them look like they’re part of the far right. But the truth is, nationalists have ruined it, like they ruin everything else. Most of people used to fly flags just because it’s enjoyable, a splash of colour, a shared moment like the 2012 Olympics when modern Britain peaked and went downhill thereafter. But now those same flags are tainted by rat boys and steroid fuelled thugs. Nationalists have turned a symbol of fun into a symbol of suspicion. It’s the same with the poppy.

The Danger Beyond the Stadium

And here’s the bit that really worries me: Populists know exactly how to exploit this. They feed off nationalism, whipping up resentment towards foreigners and turning sporting pride into political ammunition. Sport should be a safe outlet for tribalism, ninety minutes of shouting, chanting, and over-celebrating. But when nationalism seeps out of the stadium, it becomes toxic, dividing communities and poisoning public life.

Don’t Let Them Ruin It

So yes, I believe people should wave their flags, sing too loud, and lose their heads over a dodgy refereeing decision. We’ve all been there. But I also think we need to call out the nationalists for what they are. Those who hijack it need crushing. Because as it stands the nationalists have crashed the party and ruined innocent patriotism for everyone else.

And that ends with the hate I witnessed on the streets of London last week.

Sad really.