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I love sport, I’m blonde, but I’m definitely no groupie

Hayley Byrnes

by Hayley Byrnes

07 Nov 05:45am

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Filed under: Celebrity, Groupies, Sport, Women

67 comments

Groupie. Footy tart. Wannabe WAG. I’ve heard it all. Is it the way I look? The blonde hair? The boobs? Or maybe just because I’m a woman?

You won't catch Hayley letting Usain in her bedroom like these Swedish handballers

Recently, the term “groupie” was flung at me once again when I failed to contain my excitement meeting Socceroo Tim Cahill.

Although I brushed aside the remark, it made me ponder a nagging question – why is it a woman cannot appreciate an athlete without being looked upon as a groupie? Let me get this straight - because I don’t have a penis, I’m obviously not meant to understand what Cahill did for the Socceroos in the ’06 World Cup?

Nor should I know how close he was to jeopardising his Australian career at 14-years-of-age because he represented Samoa?

Just because he is a famous footballer, I’m meant to screech at the top of my lungs and do a hair flick?

How is it fair that men meeting Cahill can openly express their admiration, do some mobile phone picture-snapping with a side-order of fist-pumping, yet women like myself are derided as fame whores or bimbos who just want to shag him?

As an aspiring sports reporter and presenter, I encounter this attitude regularly. Last month, my girlfriend and I were invited into the VIP section of a popular nightclub where we were told six-time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt would be attending.

“He only likes blondes, he will love you,” the host winked at me.

Ignoring the urge to roll my eyes, I politely smiled and asked to be introduced to the man many consider the greatest Olympian of all time - I mean, who wouldn’t?

I, along with the rest of the world, watched him at the London games in awe of his brilliance, stunned by his freakish ability.

As Bolt and I shook hands and made small talk, I could feel the appraising eyes of his Jamaican entourage, one of whom asked us if we’d like to join them at the next club.

I hadn’t gotten my bragging photo yet, so when Bolt’s security team made it clear they’d smash my iPhone if I attempted a shot, I called it a night. It then occurred to me, I love my sleep far too much to ever get my “groupie” on.

Still, every football season, I get the looks of disbelief from men when I mention the latest line up for Friday night’s clash or apologise for being late because Game 5 of the NBA play-offs went to overtime.

How is it that in an era of so-called equality - where men can freely admit to enjoying a night of Keeping up with the Kardashians, where a woman can hold a senior role in a predominantly male company - it is still so foreign for a woman to have an enthusiasm for sport?

Women can and do love sport and we shouldn’t be dismissed as netball playing lesbians if we know more about it than the blokes.

Question my passion and I’ll shoot you down.

Don’t let the boobs and blonde hair fool you - I ran around my hood as a kid with my Brisbane Broncos ball tucked firmly under my little arm and all I wanted when I grew up was to be like Alfie Langer, not to shag him.

My most prized possession is a cricket bat signed by New Zealand Internationals Jeff Wilson, Chris Cairns and Brendon McCullum - to name just a few.

Call me a “groupie” and I’ll square cut you with it.

For more of Hayley’s work and to see the cricket bat, check out her blog

Comments on this post close at 8pm AEST

Most commented

67 comments

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    • Harryzo says:

      05:29am | 07/11/12

      What is with all the sexism articles lately?
      While I do think your article has quite a fair amount of merit as their does seem to be a bit of a sexist attitude towards attractive women and sport, some of the biggest and most passionate sports fans I’ve ever met have been females. Never really being that into sport myself.

      I could say the same when I make comments to mothers about my parenting experiences though, the dismissive glances and rolled eyes I get are extremely annoying.

      Reply

    • Anubis says:

      08:09am | 07/11/12

      @ Harryzo - The increased quantity of sexism articles is the Punch’s way of undermining the Movember movement. They did it last year with a glut of women good/men bad articles and it appears they are continuing again this year. This is all a prelude to the campaign they will put on leading up to White Flag Day later in the month. (Some call it White Ribbon Day but it is aimed at getting men to wave the white flag and sign the pledge to be good little castratos so, to me, it known as White Flag Day)

    • Bill says:

      08:44am | 07/11/12

      Not sure why the writer of this article thinks that female sport fans are marginalised and not taken seriously. Almost every woman I know is a passionate Australian football supporter and none of us men blink an eye at the fact. Half the crowds at the footy are women. The leading office footy tipster has been a woman for the last five years where I work.

      No one cares about your gender when it comes to sport.

    • HappyG says:

      09:24am | 07/11/12

      I guess you’re right there @Bill. AFL is a much more feminine sport . I would go further than “half the crowds are women” in fact you could say with some degree of confidence that half the players are too. Handbags at 5 yards anyone ?

    • Bill says:

      10:03am | 07/11/12

      HappyG - I’m not sure why you feel the need to be so rude. I merely pointed out the fact that women form about half the support base of football fans and you respond with such a bitter, hate-filled diatribe.

      Perhaps you can educate us all as to why the AFL’s strong support in making football female and family friendly is a bad thing?

    • HappyG says:

      10:27am | 07/11/12

      Well @Bill old mate I guess it’s because your one eyed , ignorant posts and refusal to acknowledge any other sport than AFL just shit me to tears. Here’s a news flash -  AFL is not the only sport being followed in this country. Why you need to constantly defend it and denigrate the other codes is, in my humble opinion equally rude as what I posted above. By the way I only did it to get a bite ( I quite enjoy AFL ) and I guess it worked.

    • subotic is blonde, a groupie, and hates sport says:

      10:28am | 07/11/12

      I love sport, I’m blonde, but I’m definitely no groupie

      But 2 outta 3 ain’t bad.

      Altho shame the “groupie” bit wasn’t 1 of the 2. Damn…

    • XX says:

      11:12am | 07/11/12

      One thing I have noticed walking around the street, and just in general just about everywhere I go, roughly half of the population are female.

    • AliciaP says:

      01:22pm | 07/11/12

      Bill, that’s because you’re female friends aren’t stunning and 5’10 with huge boobs, flawless skin and big blue eyes.
      It’s hard to be taken seriously when your looks come heavily into play.

    • craig2 says:

      06:02am | 07/11/12

      GROUPIE!!

      Reply

    • asdf says:

      06:38am | 07/11/12

      Who exactly called you a groupie? or are you saying it is implied?

      Because there is nothing wrong with any of the behavior in your article, and I don’t personally know a single person who would describe that as being a groupie.

      Reply

    • Porter says:

      06:40am | 07/11/12

      Fair call, although I’m not a fan of the over the top groupies regardless of the sex.
      Also does anyone really enjoy Keeping up with the Kardashians?

      Reply

    • Mouse says:

      08:55am | 07/11/12

      Kardashians?  What are they? It sounds like some distant alien colony from Star Trek.  lol :o)

    • Mahhrat says:

      06:42am | 07/11/12

      Interesting article.  Again, however, I don’t think this is just about gender.

      At the risk of being dangerously stereotypical:

      I think you’ve got a jealousy problem.  Men are harsh at you because you’re (to them) tilting yourself at men higher in the pecking order than they are.  Most guys dismiss you at that point.

      Women will judge you harshly because it’s YOUR blonde hair and boobs catching the Jamaican’s eyes, and not theirs.

      Both genders will judge you harshly because you’re using your career to enter those circles, rather than your own sporting credentials (which I understand but don’t agree with).  You may well have a (perceived) credibility problem there.

      The people you’re mixing with are among the elite.  They are therefore the most desired.  To catch their attention places you in rarefied atmosphere; us mere mortals will look upon your actions with scorn, because to do otherwise will mean admitting we’re not Usain Bolt or Kathy Freeman.

      By the way, ProTip if you want to be taken seriously:  Lose the duckface.

      Reply

    • Slothy says:

      07:48am | 07/11/12

      I’m confused? Where’s the duckface? Her profile pic is of her laughing - quite refreshing if you ask me.

    • Nathan says:

      08:12am | 07/11/12

      Yeah pretty sure without the boobs and blonde hair she would of meet these athletes anyway. Guys who run up and get their photo taken in public places with athletes are not groupies but tools instead.

      Didnt see any mention of her fawning over any female athletes.

    • Tim says:

      08:15am | 07/11/12

      Good points.

      How is it that the people who use their looks to aid them in their endeavours (even unwittingly), always seem to complain the loudest when there’s any drawback from doing so?

    • Nick says:

      09:21am | 07/11/12

      I’d probably say it more kindly, but I agree that if you want to be treated like a professional then you need to act like one.  Hayley sounds like she acts more like a fan/groupie than a professional, and her profile photo is more suited to selling lotto tickets than to being taken seriously.

      A housemate of mine once came home in tears because she had been reprimanded for behaving unprofessionally at work.  My young instincts were to be instantly outraged on her behalf, but her father happened to be there and he said “well, is it true?”  I’ve always remembered the shock on her face when he asked her, but it turned out it was true - she had been doing things like singing, dancing, and skipping in the corridors, wearing unprofessional attire, and so forth.  One of life’s lessons learned.

    • Mahhrat says:

      09:43am | 07/11/12

      @Slothy:  I may be wrong, but is it not the OP in the front of the article’s photo?

    • Slothy says:

      09:57am | 07/11/12

      Ah no Mahhrat. Check the caption - it’s a group of Swedish handball players in Usain’s room at the Olympics. It’s there saying that this is the exact thing that Hayley WOULDN’T do. Because she wants to have sporting heroes that she admires for their talent, not their abs.

    • Nick says:

      10:02am | 07/11/12

      Mahrat, the main photo is of a bunch of women the OP is trying to differentiate herself from whilst behaving in roughly the same manner from the sounds of it.

    • Slothy says:

      10:20am | 07/11/12

      But hey, good on you for trying to use her looks to minimise her opinion. It’s almost if that’s exactly what she was talking abo… oh wait!

    • Tubesteak says:

      07:08am | 07/11/12

      If the last 99 people that matched your profile acted in a certain way then it’s reasonable to assume that the 100th person to come along will, too.

      You are the exception to the rule. I’m sure that upon meeting you people will be dissuaded by the stereotype rather quickly and your passion for sport will carry you a long way in your chosen path.

      Thing is, stereotypes exist simply for the fact that there’s a critical mass of people that fit that stereotype. Don’t let this stop you because you’ll manage what I said in my second para if you persist at it.

      Good luck.

      Reply

    • Fiddler says:

      07:08am | 07/11/12

      maybe it’s because they have no interest in anything you have to say. Celebrities have people fawning over them all day and are no doubt utterly sick of talking about whatever they are famous for and have plenty of friends already.

      In which case he is a male and you are a young attractive female, what the hell else do you think he wants to do with you? Plus he would no doubt have women throwing themselves at him all day. Sorry to burst your bubble but you may be a wonderful, witty, interesting funny girl. But to him you are not a unique snowflake, do you really need to be told this?

      Reply

    • Slothy says:

      07:46am | 07/11/12

      Er, I think Hayley is more talking about the response from her fellow sports fans when she tries to join in the weekend sportsgasm.I don’t think she wants Tim Cahill to fall at her feet, I think she just wants to gush about meeting her sports hero without people claiming she’s more interested in their abs than their ability to turn the opposition inside out.

      “In which case he is a male and you are a young attractive female, what the hell else do you think he wants to do with you?”

      Ew.

    • Anne71 says:

      08:24am | 07/11/12

      Fiddler,  none of the men approaching these sportspeople for photos or autographs are “unique snowflakes” either. But you don’t seem to feel the need to point that out. Oh, that’s right. They’re men! They’re allowed to be interested in sportspeople without having either their motives or their intelligence called into question!

    • Markus says:

      09:17am | 07/11/12

      @Anne71, the day a man writes an article demanding reassurance that he isn’t just another sports groupie, he will get the exact same response.

      That, and I’m fairly certain that people obsessed with sport have their intelligence called into question on a regular basis. I’m fairly sure I’ve seen you do exactly that in the past.

    • Tubesteak says:

      10:45am | 07/11/12

      Annie 71
      Think about your comment in light of stereotypes and re-write it like this”
      “none of the men approaching these Victoria’s Secret Angels for photos or autographs are “unique snowflakes” either. But you don’t seem to feel the need to point that out. Oh, that’s right. They’re men! They’re allowed to be interested in Victoria’s Secret Angels without having either their motives or their intelligence called into question!”

      Wouldn’t you just assume that a man interest in Victoria’s Secret Angels is shallow and sleazy and just wants to have sex with another hot trophy?

      It’s probably true, but 1% of the time it may just be that he’s interested in a woman at the peak of her profession.

      We all deal with stereotypes based on who we are and how we act. The point is to not let it hold you back or down.

    • Slothy says:

      11:10am | 07/11/12

      Tubesteak - I don’t think that’s completely comparable - Victoria’s Secret Angels’ primary role is to look sexy and alluring so it would make sense that most people who are interested in them are reacting to them on a physical level.

      Sportspeople are often sexy, but as a side-effect of their main role, which is to be damn good at sports. I don’t think it’s too much to ask to be able to comment on Central Coast’s annihilation of Sydney FC without being written off as just a fangirl waiting for someone to celebrate by taking off his shirt.

    • Tubesteak says:

      11:48am | 07/11/12

      Slothy
      This is an analysis of the “fan” and their intentions and other people’s perceptions of the fan’s intentions, not the sportsperson

    • Helt says:

      12:06pm | 07/11/12

      Dont worry about Slothy Tubesteak Shes quite well known for arguing points that were never brought up and playing the victim to the nasty straw man

    • Slothy says:

      12:36pm | 07/11/12

      Yeah, and when she is enthusiastic about sport and sportspeople, she’s asking to be percieved as a fan, not a groupie.

      You’re unlikely to be a fan of an underwear model because of her humanitarian work. But I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask that when you express admiration for a sportsperson, you are percieved to be expressing admiration for their sporting prowess.

    • Tubesteak says:

      02:32pm | 07/11/12

      Slothy
      “she’s asking to be percieved as a fan”
      Agree

      “You’re unlikely to be a fan of an underwear model because of her humanitarian work”
      In the context of what we’re discussing I would be a fan of her modelling work. Some people can be fans of models without wanting to f*** them. It’s possible.
      As my point was, the author will often cop the “groupie” tag because female sports fans are rare. Rarer still are attractive female sports fans. But this does not mean she can’t overcome this perception.

    • fml says:

      07:52am | 07/11/12

      Ummm… I was under the impression that a groupie was a person (of any gender) who hangs incessantly around a famous person, sleeping with that person with a look in to be part of the phenomenon. Unless you slept with, then continued to socialise with that famous person then you are just and admirer and not a groupie.

      Absolutely nothing wrong with being an admirer of a sports person and being knowledgeable in sport.

      ““He only likes blondes, he will love you,” the host winked at me.

      Ignoring the urge to roll my eyes, I politely smiled and asked to be introduced to the man many consider the greatest Olympian of all time - I mean, who wouldn’t?”

      So you are using your looks to gain access to people others would not be able to? You are thinking this is unethical and the proceed to do so? Sounds like you are feeling a tad guilty, or at least trying to give off the impression that you are.

      Reply

    • Peter Thornton says:

      07:57am | 07/11/12

      Groupie test # 1:
      You say you’re blond. Do the, ah, collars’n'cuffs match?
      Groupie test # 2:
      You say you have ‘big boobs.’  Are they bolt-ons?
      Results: 1 yes & 1 no - in that order - means you’re probably not a groupie. 1 no & 1 yes means you could be a lesbian.
      Conclusion: neither groupie or lesbian is something to be ashamed of. Sport is good. Sex is good.

      Reply

    • Jono says:

      08:08am | 07/11/12

      This is awesome.

      I think it’s great you’re passionate about sport. Don’t let the world get you down.

      Basically all I can think is ‘F*** em’ if they see you as a groupie…

      Reply

    • Anubis says:

      08:51am | 07/11/12

      @ Jono - that’s exactly what they want from Groupies

    • Nick says:

      09:27am | 07/11/12

      Cute how all these guys are leaping to her blonde boobalishous defence..lol

    • Tim says:

      08:12am | 07/11/12

      “Let me get this straight - because I don’t have a penis, I’m obviously not meant to understand what Cahill did for the Socceroos in the ’06 World Cup?”

      No.

      It’s because people stereotype and the stereotype is that most good looking blonde women have zero interest in sports. That if they are hanging around sports stars, it’s to try and date/sleep with them. For the most part it’s true.

      You may be an exception to the rule but so what? Deal with it. Everyone else has to live with stereotypes, why not you?

      Reply

    • Slothy says:

      10:15am | 07/11/12

      Or we could you know, recognise that stereotypes are bad and work to demolish them? Because they lead to more innocuous things, like this woman’s opinions on sports being dismissed and ‘men who don’t like sports must be gay’, and more insidious things, like ‘men are inherently violent’ and ‘ethinc group X is a bunch of Ys’.

    • Tim says:

      10:56am | 07/11/12

      Slothy,
      why are stereotypes bad?
      They are useful in many situations where other information isn’t available.

      Basically the author is whinging that people judge her on her looks even though she’s using her looks to get what she wants and further her career.

      It’s the same as certain female news readers who only got their jobs because of their looks and then whinge about sexism when they’re replaced by younger, better looking women.

      Apparently it’s only sexist if it affects them negatively but when they get extra benefits then it’s ok. Actually now that I think about it, it sounds pretty much like most feminists in this country.

    • Slothy says:

      11:33am | 07/11/12

      Uh, did you read my comment where I used ‘all men are inherently violent’ as an example of a worrying sexist sterotype? So no, it’s not only sexist when it affects women.

      In fact I think I’d struggle to think of a sterotype that doesn’t do damage in some way. Either it’s a negative sterotype and it affects people’s perception and behaviour towards an individual, or it’s a positive stereotype, with all the issues about expectation, access to services etc., that comes with that.

    • Markus says:

      11:53am | 07/11/12

      But what damage is done from this stereotype, Slothy?

      - Person makes assumption that girl they don’t know would not be interested in sports.
      - Person’s assumption is proven to be incorrect upon discussion of sports with said girl.
      - Person is mildly surprised, but pleased to have another to discuss sports with.
      The End.

      If the stereotype that women don’t tend to have as much interest in sport as men was used as a basis to ban women from attending sporting matches, then I could see a problem. But it isn’t.

    • Tim says:

      12:01pm | 07/11/12

      Slothy,
      yes I read it. I asked you a question about it. I then went on to talk about this article specifically.

      Note that I said stereotypes can be useful in many situations, of course they can also be negatively used.

      With your example a stereotype that all men are inherently violent is clearly wrong. Any cursory look at statistics would show that only a tiny percentage of men are violent.
      However, most violent crime is committed by these violent men so It’s only prudent to be aware of this when engaging with random males particularly in riskier locations.

      It completely depends on the validity of the stereotype, how you use it and the situations you use it in.

    • Blind Freddy says:

      08:28am | 07/11/12

      “How is it that in an era of so-called equality - where men can freely admit to enjoying a night of Keeping up with the Kardashians”

      Stawman. Would never happen, has never happened. As if? Surely not . . . ?

      Reply

    • Markus says:

      08:32am | 07/11/12

      Regardless of your level of interest in sport, it still reads like you use your looks as a means to get access to famous people.
      Perhaps the groupie tag isn’t as far-fetched as you claim.

      Reply

    • Blind Freddy says:

      08:36am | 07/11/12

      Tell us a story about how you got equally enthused, and fawning, over a female athlete, or even an unattractive male one, and then I’ll make my decision about whether you are a fan or a groupie.

      Reply

    • Slothy says:

      10:22am | 07/11/12

      Well she does follow Rugby League…

    • Ben C says:

      03:08pm | 07/11/12

      “I ran around my hood as a kid with my Brisbane Broncos ball tucked firmly under my little arm and all I wanted when I grew up was to be like Alfie Langer, not to shag him.”

      1. I wouldn’t class Alfie as attractive by any stretch.
      2. She wanted to be Alfie, not shag him.

      In light of the above, I’d put her firmly in the fan camp.

    • centurion48 says:

      08:45am | 07/11/12

      Most serious sports reporters probably don’t travel around with their boyfriends and/or girlfriends trying to conduct serious interviews with sports stars at nightclubs.

      You were invited into the VIP area because you are female, blonde and have breasts. You are not taken seriously because you don’t have a serious intent but are simply trading on your gender and looks to get close to your target.

      That might not make you a groupie but it sure doesn’t make you a journalist.

      Reply

    • AFR says:

      09:43am | 07/11/12

      That was my first thought as well. Lets face it, you used your looks to your advantage to meet Usain Bolt, and to get your “bragging photo”

    • TrevorA says:

      08:55am | 07/11/12

      The comment about female blond newsreaders should draw attention to the TV channels. Sky has almost all blonde female and if you look at 9 and 10 it is becoming more and more obvious they want to compete.
      The next step will be female, blonde with cleavage,

      The they will follow up the FOX News with leg show well up to middle thigh.
      The morning show on Fox is on for 3 hours from 1900

      Reply

    • Jane says:

      08:57am | 07/11/12

      Blah, blah, blah…Get over yourself. If the worst thing you have to contend with is the perception that because you’re apparently pretty and blonde you’re a WAG in waiting then it really isn’t that bad is it? With all the degradation and systematic abuse that women suffer across the world and, for example, a young Pakistani girl in hospital in England fighting for her life for want of an education you’re supposed issue seems trite and pathetic. The funny thing about this is the article makes you sound exactly like what you claim not to be…Parochial, shallow and narrow minded.

      Reply

    • KK says:

      09:09am | 07/11/12

      Can we end the spate of “sexism is everywhere” articles please?  I am getting really sick of the punch publishing article after article claiming links to misogyny in the smallest of inane things.  Oh wait, I said inane, that must have been a blonde reference, and therefor misogynyst right?  Please spare me the self righteous indignation at your, to be frank, first world problem. 

      “Is it the way I look?” - Maybe, some people prefer different appearances to yours.
      “The blonde hair?” - Maybe, some people prefer brunettes, or red heads.
      “The boobs?” - Maybe, some people prefer different shapes/sizes.
      “Or maybe just because I’m a woman?” - Maybe, some men prefer men, yes even sportsmen.

      And yet you seem to wake up every morning and do your hair nicely, probably put on something that lets you present well, and appear attractive and feel self confident in doing so - and then complain at the moment it gets you access to an extremely famous A-list sports personality.  You can not really be serious…when you wake up, why dont you just roll out of bed, let the dreadlocks continue to build up into one single dready, slap a banana skin under your unshaven armpits pull on some havianas and stroll out of the house with no make-up on?  No one makes you do all the personal grooming.

      Oh life is so tough when you are attractive and I hate to break it to you, theres a good chance the sportsmen found you either a) more alluring because you didnt throw yourself at them (or did you?) or b) less alluring because you came across as cold in an attempt to not seem flirtatious - which would actually be sexist of YOU because you assumed they would want you because you are a woman with boobs and blonde hair, careful because the sexism sword cuts both ways.

      If anything, this article proves to me that YOU are the sexist person, you assumed groupie meant sexual inference, and you assumed groupie meant you were attractive and woman.  Its none of these things a groupie is simply someone who, having no direct link to the activity, hangs around a professional <insert profession here> usually in large groups as people with charisma, leadership, focus, and drive tend to attract followers that like to either be close to that or draw inspiration from that.  Men can be groupies too, they are just usually called fanboys.

      Please get off the freaking sexist soap box, its becoming quite numbingly boring.

      Reply

    • Chris says:

      09:28am | 07/11/12

      Can you come and move to Perth to hang out with my football (read soccer for some) mates - we’d love to have you join us and talk sport with us. We’ve got a massive deficit of females in the group and would welcome the opportunity to have more join us.

      Reply

    • Mark says:

      09:43am | 07/11/12

      It, like most things you probably run into during your life, have nothing to do with you. Why make it about yourself?

      Look at it this way. Are there any men who habitually follow famous sportsmen with the hope of landing them as a partner? No, there aren’t any men who do that.

      On the flip side of the coin, I can name two women who have dated multiple AFL players.

      So in essence, it has nothing to do with you but the fact that your sex is the only sex that have a history of being groupies.

      I’ll repeat my self for impact, not everything is about you. Stereotypes exist for a reason, usually because they have been proven right on more than one occasion.

      Reply

    • Slothy says:

      10:08am | 07/11/12

      Can nobody on this article read? FFS, she doesn’t want sports people to fawn all over her any more than male fans want the chance to have a beer and a chat with their favourite player. Who cares what a sports person thinks of her. What she wants is to be able to join in the Monday morning recap and the Friday afternoon preview without her colleagues dismissing her views because obviously she only watches for the nice bums. She wants to be able to come to her friends and go “Check out this photo of me with my sporting hero!” without people saying that by ‘sporting hero’ she means ‘lust object’. Is that really so hard to understand?

      Reply

    • Paresseuse says:

      11:17am | 07/11/12

      Wait a second Slothy, are you saying because they are sports people that all their hard work to achieve enviable physiques, buns of steel, and rock hard chiseled abs should go un-noticed because women don’t want to be “groupies” and because they are men & sportspeople?  That seems quite misandrist to me.

    • kaff says:

      10:57am | 07/11/12

      This is not new.  I’m not young and have never been blonde and beautiful and I have always gotten weird looks from men if I actually start joining in a conversation about sport.  I suppose because I don’t fit the physical stereotype of a wannabe WAG that I’ve been spared that assumption. 

      It’s extremely patronising to be told that I know a lot about a sport for a girl/chick/woman.  Or my interest in sport must be solely based on aethestics.  It still rankles with me, nearly 20 years later when my interest in a team I’d followed since childhood and as a season ticket holder was assumed to be merely because one of their star players was attractive.  Um no.  I followed my team in spite of the hot guy who only played well leading into rep season and for five minutes a half.

      But that’s not the only stereotype about liking sport that gets me.  Who says I can only be passionate about one code of football?  Who says I can’t be a season ticket holder for a footy team and also have a subscription to the theatre or a symphony orchestra?  Why do some people automatically equate a liking for sport as being an intellectual philistine?

      So while I do feel a teensy bit sorry for the OP, the annoyance of being judged as a stereotype is really just a mozzie bite in the grand scheme of things.  It’s irritating but it’s a minor discomfort.  Better to save your anger and indignation for real instances of discrimination and harassment that may occur should you become a presenter/reporter when you’re dealing with grown-ups and not just wannabes.

      Reply

    • loxy says:

      11:21am | 07/11/12

      I don’t think it’s your gender quite so much and more the fact that you are an attractive, WAG look-alike chick. I have a friend who is soccer crazy but not overly attractive and she has never experienced anything like you have – she is and always has been accepted in the exact same way as the male fans.

      We all get judged on our looks and I can tell you now that looking the way you do will get you noticed, and judged, on a daily, if not hourly basis – it’s just the reality.
      If you don’t want to be noticed and judged so much then change your look – simple.

      Reply

    • Blind Freddy says:

      11:36am | 07/11/12

      You should see the looks I get when I try and to get close to attractive, rich female athletes. Sexist.

      Reply

    • craIg2 says:

      01:58pm | 07/11/12

      Yea, just piss Freddy, good looking bloke with a one foot penis swinging in the wind, GOD women are just so picky!

    • Gregg says:

      11:57am | 07/11/12

      Hayley,
      We don’t really do Soccer so much as football down here and real footballers are those AFL fellas but keep up the sports interest.
      So did Usain have a firm or limp fish shake and if you support the Bombers that’s another good point for you.

      I’ve got a bat signed by Alan Border as a memento of his Sydney to Brisbane walk and I also had the case in which it is mounted signed by Merv the moustachioed one Hughes, Deano Jones and might even be Grant Hackett on it too.
      And then you ought to see my autograph book if I can find it, John Coleman from 1960 playing in a charity replay of the 1950 grand final, I also got Bill Hutcheson and Dick Reynolds that day too and then of course there are blokes like Jack Clarke, the Kookaburra Alec Epis and Barry Davis not to mention Killer Karl Kowalski from WWF.

      I must just have been a real groupie.

      Reply

    • Tron says:

      01:25pm | 07/11/12

      Game 5 of the playoffs didnt go into overtime…. why were you really late???

      Reply

    • Markus says:

      02:02pm | 07/11/12

      “Still, every football season, I get the looks of disbelief from men when I mention the latest line up for Friday night’s clash or apologise for being late because Game 5 of the NBA play-offs went to overtime”

      Only just really clicked on this point. If I were a boss or co-worker I’d be giving you a look of disbelief too.
      Not at the concept of a girl watching sport, but at the rank unprofessionalism you’ve just shown.

      Reply

    • Slothy says:

      03:19pm | 07/11/12

      You can be late for things other than work.

      And mentioning the Friday night line up… well if that’s unprofessional I think every male manager I’ve ever had needs to be fired.

 
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