One of the joys of living in Britian, for us, was the proximity of European football. When it came to the British Premiere League, we (hopelessly) supported Aston Villa. Close friends of ours were supporters of a local rival team and they would not hesitate to foist their team’s anthem upon us whenever we were together. Part of the anthem repeats a certain derogatory line directed at Aston Villa fans and is even popularized with the acronym S.O.T.V. (S**t On The Villa). Though only meant in jest, our friends even began to include that portion of the jingle in prayers for meals when we ate together.
Such is the nature of European football fans, and it was with that in mind that my interest was piqued the other day when I noticed a story on the BBC connecting a bundesliga team with local Muslim concern. Apparently the anthem sung by FC Schalke 04 fans (“Blue and White, How I Love You” ["Blau und weiß, wie lieb ich Dich"]) includes the line “Muhammad was a prophet who understood nothing about football.” This is followed by, “But of all the lovely colors he chose [Schalke's] blue and white” (Mohammed war ein Prophet, der vom Fussballspielen nichts versteht. Doch aus all der schoenen Farbenpracht hat er sich das Blau und Weisse ausgedacht).
I am not aware of the history behind these lines or when they originated, but they have stirred up some concern of late among local Muslims. Team officials have had the good sense to consult local Islamic authorities. I am hoping for some sort of follow-up story because I am as confused as everyone involved must be.
An update here. A scholar has concluded that the lines needn’t cause offense. I’d still like to know the history behind them.