Why Leicester fans love Jamie Vardy and away fans hate him

As Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy latched onto an inch-perfect ball from the revitalised Wilfried Ndidi, there was only one outcome. A searing left-footed finish and Leicester had retaken the lead against Blackburn Rovers, one they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game. The celebration was trademark, Vardy standing before the opposition crowd and lapping up the insults with delight.

Such a scene could describe the aftermath of many of Vardy’s goals, and LCFC fans have been fortunate enough to experience eleven years of the Englishman’s goals and antics. Undoubtedly, one of the greatest English strikers to grace the Premier League, it is not hard to see why he is such a polarising figure.

Any other fanbase apart from Leicester City will undoubtedly hate ‘Vards’, such is his delight in antagonising opposition fans. West Brom fans, for instance, must be sick at the sight of the veteran striker; after all, he seems to score every time he visits the Hawthorns.

Nevertheless, this season has seen Vardy celebrate every goal with renewed vigour and glee. Against Bristol City, he ran the length of the pitch to goad the away fans, after they stupidly chanted about his wife before he took a penalty. However, one can’t help but think that Jamie knows he hasn’t got that long left, thus is celebrating every goal like it is his last. However, with the amount of abuse he gets from opposition fans, perhaps he’s just giving it back. Leicester City’s form in the Championship should mean plenty more opportunities for Vardy to silence away fans who have foolishly opened their mouths.

Ultimately, the question is, does Jamie Vardy stop after this season? It is likely that Leicester City will return straight to the Premier League, and certainly, there is the temptation to try and add to his 136 goals. However, this season may be a chance for Vardy to finish on a high, leading LCFC back to the promised land before hanging up his boots. After all, the difference in quality between Championship and Premier League is stark, emphasised by Leicester City’s current form. Last season also highlighted the physical difficulties present in the Premier League.

After this season, Leicester City should choose to honour its icons such as Vardy, Kasper Schmeichel and Andy King. What better way, therefore, than to bring back the title-winning side for an emotional testimonial match?