The Unlikely Incident
As Scotland celebrated qualifying for the World Cup, BBC's entertainment correspondent Colin Paterson found himself grappling with an unexpected challenge. It all began with a passionate fervor that many football fans can relate to—sacrificing almost anything for the love of the game. Yet, for Paterson, this sacrifice resulted in a trip to the hospital.
A Heartfelt Legacy
For over 40 years, Colin has cherished the Scottish football team, a legacy deeply rooted in family pride. His great-great-grandfather was the surveyor for Hampden Park, the very stadium where generations of Scots have gathered to cheer for their national team. "Would you give up a finger if it meant Scotland qualified for the World Cup?" he muses, not realizing that this question would come frighteningly close to reality.
"That Tuesday night was simply one of the greatest ever." — Colin Paterson
The Build-Up to a Historic Night
With the excitement of the Scotland vs. Denmark match looming, Colin prepared for coverage while donning an SFA Travel Club badge to represent his team. However, the thrill of broadcasting took a painful turn when the badge's sharp edge jabbed his finger. "It was a moment I dismissed until it spiraled into a full-blown situation," he recounts.
The Tipping Point
What started as a minor inconvenience escalated within days. An innocuous bruise developed into a serious infection, leading Colin through a whirlwind of hospital visits. After experiencing severe pain during his work, he eventually had to sign waivers for surgery. "That was a phrase I didn't want to hear," he reflects.
From Surgery to Survival
Colin described waking up from surgery amidst the chaotic holiday buzz of the hospital. Amidst his own medical tribulations, he couldn't shake the overwhelming joy of Scotland's 4-2 victory over Denmark. As he cheered from his hospital bed, he reflected, "I was thrilled for my country and grateful to still have all ten fingers intact." No sacrifice, it seems, was ever too great for the love of the game.
A Blended Emotion
While he regretted the NHS resources spent on a single misjudged moment, Colin's humor remained intact. "I do feel ashamed to have taken up so much NHS time, but as my brother pointed out, 'There was 28 years of bacteria on that badge'—clearly, a touch of football history in more ways than one!”
The Road Ahead
Paterson's experience encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a passionate fan. Despite physical setbacks, the love for Scotland and its national team remains undying. As they prepare to tackle the world stage once more, one can't help but wonder: if it meant advancing in the World Cup, would he go through it all again? The answer is a cheeky, "If they made it out of the group stages, then we'd be talking!" The journey lives on, with fingers crossed for future matches.
Source reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yqpq7d844o
