Soccer clubs patronize Facebook and Twitter

Soccer clubs are increasingly harnessing the power of social media as jumping-off platforms to stir up conversations with fans. All major soccer clubs in Europe have fan pages on Facebook and following on Twitter.

Barcelona Football Club has over 850,000 followers on Twitter while Arsenal Football club has over 600,000 followers. Clubs create an instant dialogue with their die-hard fans. When there is a speculation of any transfers, they clear the air with their fans.

For instance, recently there were news reports doing rounds that Barcelona Football Club spearhead Samuel Et’oo was moving to Manchester City Football Club. Curious fans took to tweeting to confirm the reports.

City shot down the reports saying that it was only a speculation. Some players say things on Twitter they would never have said to the media. It makes the task of a journalist easier when it comes to getting snippets from quotes.

City has come up with a creative push in that the club allows its fans through social media to decide the playlist. This move has won City accolades and thrust them into the limelight.

Many players invite comments of their fans and use it as a barometer to gauge their performance. In short, fans feel they are playing an active role in their favorite soccer star’s life and career. However, players sometimes were caught in eye of storm after they went overboard with their tweets.

Wayne Rooney stirred the hornets nest after he Tweeted a fan "I will put u asleep within 10 seconds," responding to aggressive comments. Coming under fire, Rooney tried to make light of the incident saying that it was “bit of banter.”

Danny Gabbidon was charged by the FA over a Tweet aimed at his own side’s fans after defeat by Bolton Wanderers. Though many soccer coaches are against players Tweeting, I firmly believe that Twitter allows players to take a stock of the situation as to what people are saying and then respond to that instantly.

It also gives them freedom to respond to stories in the newspapers. Going by the present trend, it appears that the soccer and social media are inseparable. Players only have to be a little careful as to what they Tweet because anything controversial could cause irreparable damage to both the player and the club.