A joyful pitch invasion at Fulham and despair at Oldham show that football transcends sport to define our mood

“There are people on the pitch. They think it’s all over… It is now.” Kenneth Wolstenholme’s immortal commentary from England’s 1966 World Cup victory always come to mind in April and May. Otherwise rational people become so emotional about something that shouldn’t really matter and find themselves running on to football pitches or seen on television crying in stands. Yes, folks, it’s the end of the football season, with its promotion and relegation dramas. And I was one of those “pitch invaders”.

Explaining the emotional rollercoaster of being a fan to someone who isn’t is a real challenge. Our cultural tastes are among the grace notes of our lives, providing a focus for our ambitions, hopes, feelings of community and expression. For millions of people this takes the form of supporting a local football club.

For contrasting reasons, fans of Fulham FC and Oldham Athletic invaded their teams’ pitches this week. The Hatfields and seat neighbours of all ages sauntered on to the hallowed turf at Craven Cottage after Fulham’s victory over Preston secured promotion to the Premier League. There were tears of joy, unbridled elation and memories forged that will last a lifetime.

But why? Objectively, all that has really happened is that we will be playing a different set of teams next season. Some will be bigger, wealthier and better than those we played this season. Fulham will likely lose more fixtures. The God-like Serbian genius that is Aleksandar Mitrovic is unlikely to score more than 40 goals. There are fewer matches to attend, so our season tickets provide less value for money and broadcasters will put games on at silly o’clock. Why does this all evoke such joy?

For Oldham, being relegated from the Football League after