Quote: Him "And this is the problem with RL. It’s “fans” are too often ridiculously parochial and small minded. Fans of one club not supporting the national team because one of their players wasn’t selected is just pathetic yet it happens (and this isn’t aimed just at Wakefield fans).
At internationals I’ve seen English fans applauding players from their team when they’ve scored a try...for the opposition.'"
Why shouldn't they? Perhaps you're making assumptions and they are simply applauding good play. You even state, they are England fans - so that's most likely their first loyalty - but ok let's play along and assume they are also fans of the the club the opposition scorer plays for - why shouldn't they applaud? Who are you to tell them they shouldn't?
I recall a time when good play by the opposition was often applauded. I applauded the opposition many many times at Central Park, certainly internationals but also club games. Not with any enthusiasm, more a grudging "fair do's, that was blo0dy good". I detest that green & gold jersey as much as any die-hard GB/England fan, but I've sucked it up and clapped when they've simply been on another level.
Quote: Him "Do you think there would be any Chelsea fans applauding Eden Hazard had he scored for Belgium against England? Certainly not during the game.'"
Probably more than you would think. For a start, not all Chelsea fans are English. Especially not in modern London.