Dirty TacklePSV fans protest against WiFi in stadium
While Premier League fans are protesting against rising ticket prices, supporters of Dutch giant PSV are vehemently protesting against the introduction of WiFi at Philips Stadion. Though these might sound like two very different matters, they are both rooted in the same issue: the gentrification of the matchday experience.
A small group of PSV supporters held up signs and banners expressing their stance against stadium WiFi service during their 6-1 win over NAC Breda to start the new season because attending a football match shouldn't be like hanging out at a Starbucks and your precious Instagram selfie can wait until after the match.
From the Guardian:
Fans in the T and U sections of the ground – the most vocal areas of the Philips Stadion – were angered by the club’s move to allow supporters better access to data on their mobile phones during matches, with one banner reading: “F*** Wi-Fi, support the team”. Placards with crosses running through the Wi-Fi signal were also held aloft before the match with many fans believing the support has been lessened by distracted fans looking at their phones instead of the match.
Of course, this is likely a futile effort. For every one PSV fan against the introduction of WiFi, there are probably dozens of corporate ticket holders delighted with the idea. But with WiFi, at least NAC fans would have something to take their minds off being down 6-1. It's a merciful gesture from PSV, if you think about it.
- - - - - - -
is the editor of Dirty Tackle on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him or follow on Twitter! Follow @BrooksDT
