The Cult Like Mentality of The FSG Out Crew

It could be argued that Liverpool Football Club boasts the most passionate fan base in the country if not the world.  Together we have witnessed immense triumphs and unbelievable heartbreaks which once united all reds into the unwritten bond of family.

While success was always demanded, being a Liverpool fan was always about more than the numerous trophies collected along the way. However, since the rise of social media and the fan channel YouTube craze the bond between supporters of the club has been fractured and probably broken beyond repair. Living in a society where negativity and hate will get you more clicks and followers certain people fuel the fire with agendas aimed at certain players, any other fan with a differing opinion and more commonly, the owners

While people have every right to voice their concerns and opinions about the club, this subset of supporters have adopted a cult-like mentality and indoctrinated others with certain mantras and hate when it comes to demanding the removal of Fenway Sports Group (FSG) and the conversations around certain players.

They may not see it themsleves and could truly believe they are saying things for the good of LFC, but here are four reasons that the FSG Out movement is more cult like than people think.

Echo Chamber Effect:

Within any dedicated community, like-minded individuals tend to seek validation and affirmation of their beliefs. This creates an echo chamber, where differing opinions are rejected and alternative perspectives dismissed. With YouTube chat rooms and Twitter Hang Outs content creators can easily create these dedicated places to vent their frustations to other like minded people. Unfortunately, many Liverpool fans have fallen into this trap by tagging on to these insular groups that reinforce their unwavering demand for FSG’s departure and their disgusting vitorol towards certain players without considering the potential merits or long-term consequences. They hide these opinons behind the throw away proposition that they want the club to be successful, when really it is all about their own self importnace and ego.

Unyielding Expectations:

The success enjoyed during Liverpool’s recent history, including domestic and European triumphs, has raised expectations to unprecedented levels. This heightened demand for continuous glory can lead to impatience and irrational decision-making. Some FSG Out proponents perceive any deviation from absolute dominance as an unforgivable failure, disregarding the up and down nature of football and the challenges faced by all clubs, regardless of ownership.

Disregard for Evidence and Context:

A key characteristic of cult-like thinking is the dismissal of objective evidence and context. Despite FSG’s transformative impact on the club, which includes stabilizing the club financially, rebuilding infrastructure, and attracting world-class talent, certain fans refuse to acknowledge these accomplishments. Instead, they twist these things to suit their own narrative and fixate on short-term setbacks or personal grievances, painting FSG as the sole source of all issues, without considering broader external factors.

Demonization and Dehumanization:

Cult-like mentalities often involve the demonization of perceived enemies to your ideas, fostering an “us vs. them” mentality. In the case of FSG Out proponents, this manifests as vilifying anyone that goes agains their opinions as well as players that they no longer want at the club. Fans who argue about the good FSG have done for Liverpool or that stick up for certain players are often subjected to vile abuse and labelled as…….. Tories, amongst other things.

Wile I totally agree that FSG have made mistakes along the way and that it’s vital for fans to hold club owners accountable and be able to express their concerns, this cult-like mentality that demands the removal of Fenway Sports Group no matter what is destroying the once famed unity that had evolved amongst our fan base. The truth is FSG delivered on the promise of returning Liverpool to the top of European football in a sustainable manner and that can not be argued with. Whether they have taken us as far as they can is another discussion entirely but it’s one that shouldn’t be filled with hate fuelled agenda’s aimed at building personal brands.