Previously, Redknapp has looked into half-and-half scarves as well as online trolls, but for this final installment, he tackles the section of football fans who apparently refuse to move with the times.
The investigation begins with Redknapp meeting Charlton fan Simon, whose team was relegated from the Premier League in 2007. He explained that the “last time Charlton were there, they called it the Premiership, so that’s what I call it now.”
Simon explains that his naming decision has led to him losing out on job promotions, any matches on Tinder and facing regular hostility at dinner parties.
Redknapp discovers that an estimated 5% of football fans still call it by the previous name but to understand a bit more, he visits the Premiership Action Initiate Now (PAIN) group’s headquarters to speak to the founder, Graham.
Graham detailed that the group was set up in 2007; however, they lost one of its six members due to a misunderstanding where the individual thought “it was a hip-hop fan club by mistake.”
“What we are about, is keeping things as it should be,” said Graham, who also believes that Snickers bars, Starbursts and Cif should still be called Marathon, Opal Fruits and Jif.
Despite Redknapp asking for clarification on Graham’s arguments, he was unable to explain why PAIN insists on calling it the Premiership when the league’s original name was actually Division One.
Simon the Charlton fan invited Redknapp to his home to meet new partner Julie, who despite his disappointment, calls it the “Premier League.” Unfortunately, there is a moment of awkwardness when Redknapp asks the couple if any of their future children will be expected to call it the Premiership or the Premier League. He’s quickly shown out the house despite pleas of being “a serious investigator” and that “we have to ask these questions.”
A spokesperson for Flutter Entertainment-owned operator Paddy Power noted: “Jamie’s done a great job uncovering some of football’s more annoying elements throughout the series. And let’s be honest, it’s completely understandable why some fans might want to when they look at their lot now. Isn’t that right Man United fans? But sometimes you have to move on because nothing lasts forever in football – not even Spurs’ trophy drought… okay maybe that one will.”
