III. British Culture and British Soccer
3.1 Gentleman Culture
Gentleman is the manifestation of the United Kingdom national culture, which took shape based on the noble spirit, being an integration of some values of all levels. Gentleman’s image is rooted in the medieval knighthood. In the medieval ages, young men received strict training from childhood. Only when you have the blue blood, can you afford to become a Knight. To realize the Knight dream, one should experience a rigorous process. When the trumpet summons them, they should bravely fight for the moral, lead and encourage people to fight tenaciously. The Crusades lasting for 200 years is closely associated with chivalry. The troops of the United Kingdom waved red flags to boost morale of the Golden Lion, and King of England Richard was called “Coeur de Lion” because of their military skills. Therefore, Lions in western culture has become a symbol of courage, loyalty and nobility. The badge of England’s Football Association, “Three Lions”, vividly reflects the United Kingdom Football’s spirit related to chivalry: courage, strength and pride. Lions and the lion’s heart are common words used by the United Kingdom newspapers when describing the soccer player. The British football style is known as for courage, tenacity, fighting spirit. On the pitch, the British team players, like knights, embody integrity, courage, justice, and sacrifice. They run actively, play ferociously, confront the opponents bravely, and move efficiently. The comment of athletes by Media on the European continent is marching forward courageously, focusing on speed and hard work, but lacking roundabout skills and strategies. The connotation of gentleman culture has been changing over time. After a large number of overseas colonies were established, the founders of the British Empire realized, only courage and sense of adventure are far from enough. With more British Empire dominating responsibilities, the governing bodies feel more strongly that the British people have to sustain the England man’s purity. As foreign wealth took off over time, they began to emphasize ethics.  The Victorian era is recognized as the top of the gentleman cultural development. The whole society advocated honor, paid attention to style, appearance, manners and etiquette, and adhered to the “fair play” values in the open competition. All these rules and values were reflected in football sports at that time. Mr. Titles were given to the players in the tournament coverage by newspapers of the United Kingdom in the 19th century. Founded in 1882, certain club is the highest expression of the spirit of fair competitions and athletes. They will not engage in any commercial game, for trophy games, and will not argue with the referee. Once a player on the other end is sent off or injured, generally practice is, to be fair, 10 men in both sides. Although the gentleman culture declined in the 20th century, and horrendous football hooligans appeared in this polite country even from the 1960s, as the core spirit of Gentry culture, courage and pride have been going along with the football. United Kingdom football style is known for their valor, ferocity and straightforwardness. On the field, players’ fouls became quite less. 英文论文英国足球文化(3):http://www.youerw.com/yingyu/lunwen_5537.html