I think men's sports can sometimes bring out the worst in the players/spectators. I remember many years ago when I presented my not-very-fluent-English-speaking husband to our Village Team manager down on the football pitch. Husband longed to play for our village (he's really an excellent player!)
It was obvious by the chap's dubious expression that he wasn't sure about this. My husband was 'The Only Black in the Village' (Little Britain). I explained that he was from Ivory Coast "...you know, like Didier Drogba!" and the chap perked up. He turned to the team and bellowed, "Oi reck'n Didier Drogba has arroived fellas!"
He became their much-admired striker and his team members were all over him. Photos taken with their arms around him when he scored yet again.