Insults in sports

Tami Koestomo's perception of South Korea's badminton win as a "a very clear sign" of God's playful revenge on some badly behaved Indonesian fans (Aug. 10) certainly required some thoughtful attention from this reader.

It's an interesting perception, but it's hard to reconcile with my perception of a recent football match I went to in England. The supporters up my end were lager louts to a man, and made up the rudest and noisiest mob ever gathered together on a terrace. Their appreciation of the opposition's ball skills amounted to a Niagara of insults. But, although their team didn't seem to have a prayer with five minutes to go, they went on to win 6-1.

Frankly, I was willing them to lose in the interest of poetic justice (something with which, I'm sure, Ms. Koestomo would sympathize with fully), but on second thought, it was precisely this uncharitable thought that caused God to swing it their way? Who can say?

Whatever the answer is to this profound conundrum, it might be useful to hear from an actual merciless heckler, or a raucous exclamator even, to see what they think about bearing direct responsibility for their heroes returning a bit light on the medals.

DAVID WIXEY

Jakarta