A-league and MLS deserve more respect

With David Beckham coming down under to play on our cow paddocks, what better time to discuss the differences between the A-league and MLS. But more importantly, the glaring differences between these two leagues and those in Europe.

The Newcastle Jets share a stadium with the Newcastle Knights, and whilst their relationship in the past has been somewhat volatile, nothing wrecks like a lack of common decency than the current situation at Energy Australia stadium.

The Newcastle Knights are the tenants for the stadium, in which the Jets lease from them in order to play their home matches. However, the Knights allowed a Super X race to be held at the stadium only last week, in which the turf usually takes up to six weeks to recover from.

Therefore, the Jets have been left with nothing more than a muddy cow paddock to deal with. They've been forced to postpone their game against the North Queensland Fury, whilst the much anticipated visit from David Beckham looks to be teetering on a knifes edge.

Of course, it's been assured that the pitch will be in tiptop condition for the match against the Galaxy, but who's to say inclement weather doesn't spoil the regeneration of the ground? Who's to say Becks doesn't suffer a serious injury in the first 10 minutes due to loose turf and doesn't reach his declared quota of minutes? Who's going to refund the punters?

Well, it's of my opinion that the surface will resemble a patchwork quilt by the time Becks and his entourage ascend on the Hunter, and Australian football will continue to maintain its status as amateur in comparison to the bigger competitions around the world. This is all very embarrassing.

Quite simply, small mindedness has placed a great opportunity for the Hunter and the A-league in jeopardy. Could you imagine something like this happening in Europe? I highly doubt it.

You see, what Australia and America have in common is the need for impact, contact, conflict and pain. Unfortunately the beautiful game of football is still very much little brother, although it's growing, the differences are quite evident.

American football, baseball, basketball, rugby league, union and AFL provide all this high impact amusement. It's been the cornerstone of our entertainment since our young countries inception.

European nations have developed their societies alongside football for hundreds of years, it's the older brother, in fact, football reigns supreme. I highly doubt AC Milan would ever have an issue with the quality of their surface if they were hosting Manchester United in a Champions League match, nor would they ever share a stadium with a local rugby team who allows motorbikes to come in during the week to aerate the pitch.

The establishment of football in Europe is deep seeded, whereas football still remains skating on the surface in Australia and America. Our crowds are considerably smaller, our culture lacks authenticity and professionalism always seems like it's balancing on the brink of extinction.

Anyone that's been to an MLS game can fathom what I'm talking about, the quality of football is strong, and the pathways to professional football through the college system are ideal. However, they're still struggling to sway the masses away from high impact sports.

There's no "get big quick scheme" that will turn the A-league and MLS into powerhouse competitions like in Europe. Just gentle growth over time, and perhaps a few more open minds.