Kick fatalism out of football
It was Fergie’s iron fist wot won it, not the fickle foot of fate. Read Mick Hume’s columns in The Times (London).

Want to read spiked ad-free? Become a spiked supporter.
Friday 23 May:
‘It is sacrilege to whisper it, I know, but Sir Alex Ferguson got it wrong. And not only when he substituted Wayne Rooney. No, he was wrong to say that Manchester United won the Champions League final because “fate was playing its hand”. It was the iron fist of Fergie wot won it, not the hidden hand of fate. And there is a lesson for us all in these fatalistic times…’
Tuesday 20 May:
‘At the risk of being branded a “trouble-making minority” of one, might I soberly suggest that the continuing riot of self-righteousness after the trouble in Manchester has been a bit over the top? I am no fan of Glasgow Rangers supporters, but the bashing they have received suggests that class prejudice today is not aimed at “toffs” alone…’
Celebrate 25 years of spiked!
A media ecosystem dominated by a handful of billionaire owners, bad actors spreading disinformation online and the rich and powerful trying to stop us publishing stories. But we have you on our side. help to fund our journalism and those who choose All-access digital enjoy exclusive extras:
- Unlimited articles in our app and ad-free reading on all devices
- Exclusive newsletter and far fewer asks for support
- Full access to the Guardian Feast app
If you can, please support us on a monthly basis and make a big impact in support of open, independent journalism. Thank you.
Comments
Want to join the conversation?
Only spiked supporters and patrons, who donate regularly to us, can comment on our articles.