Manchester United play Liverpool at Old Trafford tomorrow and it’s going to provide a footballing first \u00a0as live fan reactions will be broadcast pitchside as part of a new partnership between Google and the current Premier League champions.<\/p>\n
And there was me hoping the footballing first would be BOTH opposing teams losing the match.<\/p>\n
Anyway, the new initiative will be called Front Row, is powered by Google+ Hangouts and it seems the idea behind it is to give fans from all over the world a more participatory interest in the game – something that ‘traditional’ fans could consider to be the thin end of the wedge, as it ushers in a whole new breed of ‘virtual’ fan.<\/p>\n
How long before empty seats at football grounds are filled by these virtual fans? It seems far fetched but as matchday revenue becomes less and less important in a financial model supported by inflated broadcasting and sponsorship deals, matchgoing fans will, inevitably, become less and less important.<\/p>\n
No need to police virtual fans. No need to provide them with food and drink. And the ‘atmosphere’ can be turned up or down as and when it is required – no dissenting voices, no obscene chanting.<\/p>\n
It does sound like some far fetched dystopian footballing future but I wouldn’t bet against as more clubs become ‘franchises’ and chase money across the globe.<\/p>\n
To become a virtual fan at United, fans must upload a photograph to their Google+ account demonstrating their “love, passion and commitment” to the team and mark it with the #MUFrontRow hashtag.<\/p>\n
So, presumably, it’ll be a collection of fans from around the world, bedecked in official MUFC merchandise – tattoos and badge kissing are optional but preferred – showing their commitment by, well, sitting there and clapping when necessary –\u00a0no Salford headcases here, please, we’re not British.<\/p>\n
A United statement on the initiative said:\u00a0“For the first time in football, supporters will be streamed live onto the pitchside hoardings, thanks to Google+ Hangouts – the free multi-person video call feature”<\/p>\n
“They will be able to show their backing directly to their beloved team, roaring David Moyes’s men on in a massive fixture.\u00a0We can’t wait to meet the global Reds who will make history as one of the very first Front Row fans in world football.”<\/p>\n
Those chosen for Front Row will receive a professional photograph of their video appearance at Old Trafford, as well as a mention on the United\u00a0Google+ account<\/a>.<\/p>\n And you can watch a video on the thing, here:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n