February 3, 2018, was a historic day when FIFA world cup trophy was unveiled in Pakistan. The FIFA Trophy’s Tour to Pakistan was a part of its journey of 51 countries and 92 cities of the world.
While the arrival of world cup trophy was a good omen for football in Pakistan, the event went controversial and gave rise to debate.
Celebrities Stealing the Limelight
FIFA trophy’s tour to Pakistan was considered a fortunate event to boost the football in Pakistan. Ironically, footballers didn’t get even a bit of attention on that day, as showbiz celebrities steal the limelight.
Superstars like Mahira Khan, Momina Mustehsan, Qurat ul Ain Baloch, along with ex Pakistani cricketer Younis Khan and Pakistan’s women football team captain Hajra Khan went to receive the trophy in Thailand. The FIFA trophy came to Pakistan on the chartered jet on February 3.
#StandUpForGreenBlazer This is FIFA world cup trophy not Cricket world cup trophy !!
Where is our football team??? pic.twitter.com/O3vvTTLZnJ— Nomy Sahir (@Nomysahir) February 8, 2018
Last week FIFA World Cup trophy was brought to Pakistan as part of a journey that sees it travel to 51 countries and 91 cities across six different continents. Sadly Pakistan’s national team football players were ignored in the event. #StandUpForGreenBlazer #Football
— Syeda Mahpara Shahid (@Mahparasyeda) February 8, 2018
FIFA Trophy’s Tour to Pakistan and Social Media Reaction
On January 11, when the news broke out about Football world cup trophy coming to Pakistan, football fans became excited. But, not seeing the footballers getting any attention disappointed them.
The outraged fans are using the Twitter to raise their voice against the discrimination to football players and giving unnecessary importance to the showbiz stars.
#StandUpForGreenBlazer When we reach to Maya Ali and Momina for football events instead of REAL FOOTBALL TEAM. We are degrading our real national heroes pic.twitter.com/DsZ29iiLia
— Farhan K Virk (@FarhanKVirk) February 8, 2018
#StandUpForGreenBlazer These celebrities are given more protocol on football related events instead of REAL FOOTBALL TEAM of Pakistan and we reject this pic.twitter.com/6iN9TxO4tN
— Farhan K Virk (@FarhanKVirk) February 8, 2018
The fans made the hashtag #StandUpForGreenBlazors a top trend on Twitter in Pakistan.
It’s high time we all should join hands together to speak up against this unwanted celebrity culture interference and reclaim our sport. #standupforgreenblazer
— Asmara Kiani (@AsmaraKiani) February 8, 2018
Here is what they have to say on this occasion.
Footballers Deserve Respect
A Twitter user lamented the fact that actors and Tv stars hijacked the limelight that was right of footballers on the eve of FIFA Trophy’s Tour to Pakistan. He opined that nobody would respect our players until we don’t recognize them.
A woman football player Abiha Haider, asked where were the men and women football players who deserved this once in a lifetime moment to be recognized.
Time to end this unwanted celebrity culture interference & reclaim our sports. @CokePk need to promote sportsmen in a sports even rather making it a red carpet for Lux Style Awards.#StandUpForGreenBlazer https://t.co/H9gtrYv6bU
— Abiha Haider (@AbihaHaider05) February 8, 2018
Twitter users also posted the pictures of Pakistani footballers playing in the field and opined that instead of actresses, these were the real heroines who should have received attention on FIFA Trophy’s tour to Pakistan.
WT***…?
Where Is Our Footballers……???
Have You Ever Played Football Once In Your Life BC Actors…. ?
What’s Wrong With You @CokePk
Had hy yar..?#StandUpForGreenBlazer@FarhanKVirk @iihtishamm @Nomysahir @AbihaHaider05 @AsmaraKiani @BossLikeBoby @imsmohsinRT? pic.twitter.com/iCUiSV0pB3
— Zubair_Afridi❤?? (@SAfridi_LoveR10) February 8, 2018
Outraged football fans, shared the pictures of TV stars, posing for selfies in their glitzy wears and questioned if that was some star-studded award ceremony or a real sports event.
This picture is shouting out loud that how actually our players are being treated! #standupforgreenblazer pic.twitter.com/yvEIpDaOjy
— Sagar Samy (@sagarsamy) February 8, 2018
Time to Stand up For Football Players
Pakistan is a hub of cricket, but still, a significant portion of its youth is a diehard football fan. The country had got an opportunity to get recognition for its footballers in the form of FIFA Trophy’s tour to Pakistan. But, it seems that event was of no use as these were the singers and actors who remained prominent rather than footballers.
#StandUpForGreenBlazer Film and TV actors are being praised while football team is waiting for their due appreciation. pic.twitter.com/OlqJr06EE7
— Nomy Sahir (@Nomysahir) February 8, 2018
