A Word on Sportsmanship

This week the US and Mexico played a qualifying soccer match for the world cup in South Africa in 2010.  I did not get to watch the game personally as I was at work, however, my son did watch the match.  Around 4:30 I called home to inquire about the game.  As soon as my son answered the phone, and by the tone of his voice I knew that Mexico had beat the US.  He was a little sad, but no big deal.  What caught his attention the most and some thing he asked me and still asks me repeatedly is: Why do Mexican fans throw bottles and trash at the players?  I grew up in Mexico and although I do not condone the behavior I grew used to it.  Do not get me wrong, there are plenty class act citizens in Mexico, but unfortunately Mexico makes itself a reputation based on the few that misbehave.  As a kid my father would have never tolerated that behavior from me, as a matter of fact, he would have punish me severely if I would have ever done that.  It is sad to see that even tough Mexico won, the fans still show such disrespect for the other team.  And it does not matter whether it is the us,Canada, or any other country, the behavior would have been the same.  It is really sad to see such poor attitude.  As I told my soon, at the end it is not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game.