It is war; only with rules.
It's a battle between two sides. To take ground,
to enter enemy territory
and to inflict loss.
It's a campaign fought over many battles,
battles set in vast theatres of noise,
hope and expectation.
It's Rome and the Colusium.
It's feasting and drinking
a Colusium of death to the opposition.
Two opposing generals standing to one side
shout their orders
to fit,
young,
practiced warriors,
dressed in colours
mirrored by the crowds who come and pay their coin and watch.
On a command,
the warriors withdraw,
regroup,
and under the guidance of their respective generals
reasses their progress,
reconsider tactics,
then on a call,
return to fight once more.
The combatants apply the new plan with skill and determination.
The crowds become baying mobs,
chanting,
singing their anthems,
shouting abuse!
This is their territory and the opposition are not welcome!
The generals call for reinforcements
making changes,
swapping one injured warrior for a fit replacement
selected from the sidelines.
This battle must be won
they use all the clever tactics they have to hand.
The two sides give all they have to give.
They fight this battle
to win this war...
...this war that is football!
Nov 15, 2025
Nov 15, 2025 at 1:39 PM UTC
It is war; only with rules.
It's a battle between two sides. To take ground,
to enter enemy territory
and to inflict loss.
It's a campaign fought over many battles,
battles set in vast theatres of noise,
hope and expectation.
It's Rome and the Colusium.
It's feasting and drinking
a Colusium of death to the opposition.
Two opposing generals standing to one side
shout their orders
to fit,
young,
practiced warriors,
dressed in colours
mirrored by the crowds who come and pay their coin and watch.
On a command,
the warriors withdraw,
regroup,
and under the guidance of their respective generals
reasses their progress,
reconsider tactics,
then on a call,
return to fight once more.
The combatants apply the new plan with skill and determination.
The crowds become baying mobs,
chanting,
singing their anthems,
shouting abuse!
This is their territory and the opposition are not welcome!
The generals call for reinforcements
making changes,
swapping one injured warrior for a fit replacement
selected from the sidelines.
This battle must be won
they use all the clever tactics they have to hand.
The two sides give all they have to give.
They fight this battle
to win this war...
...this war that is football!