Leeds as a top tweeting trend
On Sunday afternoon twitter went football crazy with the 5 key letters – L E E D S - sitting as the top tweeting trend. The UK tweetscape had spoken after the unexpected Leeds United victory over the current English Champions Manchester United. For many young pups including the junior members of the Man Utd team the magnitude of this game was lost on them. United vs United is one of the fiercest rivalries in sport, with a history of feisty encounters.
Recent history has not been kind to Leeds – from Champions League semi-final to double relegation – has left them playing in English football’s 3rd tier. The match day programme cheekily welcomed Leeds back to the Theatre of Dreams – with many fans expecting a spanking. It had been 29 years since Leeds had beaten Man Utd at Old Trafford, Fergie had never lost an FA 3rd round game and Man Utd hadn’t lost to lower league opposition since in 1984. But on Sunday January 3rd 2010 – Leeds boasting the best league record in all 4 divisions – came, saw and conquered. A sole Jermaine Beckford goal the difference on the score sheet, a gulf in passion and commitment in the teams.
And with this followed an explosion of support, good wishes and vitriol on Twitter. The top trending spot was clearly helped by the rallying call of Leeds Leeds Leeds – banging in 3 mentions per tweet. But there was no doubting how much the UK has fallen in love with Twitter and how English football continues to be enjoyed around the globe. Not only had Man Utd been beaten on the football pitch, but it failed to make the tweeting trend table too. It was the televised 3rd round FA Cup defeat to Cardiff City that signalled the decline of the last great Leeds revival. Leeds fans will be hoping this victory will signal the beginnings of the next successful period.
Now Man Utd fans will tell you the game didn’t matter and they have bigger things to worry about, but don’t say that to Sir Alex Ferguson. Loosing the Division 1 title to Leeds in 1992 was his lowest point as a manager and this will be a timely reminder of nothing can be taken for granted.
So on Sunday 3rd January Twitter showed in real time how a footballing nation can feel – it was a perfect example of how the Internet enables people to speak out and let their voices be heard.
Leeds Leeds Leeds a worthy top tweeting trend. And thanks for the hatred it only makes us stronger.