When tifos work well, they can be really great.
Dinamo Bucharest are among the masters, pranking rivals Steaua and paying tribute to late midfielder Patrick Ekeng in the space of a few months.
Spartak Moscow are similarly great when it comes to pre-match choreography, while this Mortal Kombat tifo from Al-Hilal last year was very special.
But what about the less big-budget efforts?
If Seattle Sounders were attempting to satirise the extravagant efforts of rivals Portland Timbers before Sunday’s derby, they did a pretty good job.
If, however, this was an entirely sincere effort, then…well, you make your own mind up.
The Seattle Sounders are massive Rick Astley fans… Obviously… pic.twitter.com/fzhM0Qmfsw
— The Pools (@footballpools) August 22, 2016
Seattle won the game 3-1, with Clint Dempsey scoring twice and Cristian Roldan adding a third, suggesting their pledge to ‘never run around’ was a bluff – the wily old foxes.
After a slow start to the season, a run of three straight wins have seen them show they’re never gonna say goodbye to their hopes of making the end-of season playoffs.
If you’re wondering what the Timbers have been getting up to, it’s safe to say that their efforts seemed far more professional than their Cascadia rivals.
Before the reverse fixture back in July, the reigning MLS Cup champions came up with this effort.
Some solid #MLS tifo from the Portland Timbers fans in their match against the Seattle Sounders pic.twitter.com/ojHyhsGWjC
— Nathan Brookes (@BrookesyNat) July 19, 2016
And the disparity between the two rivals has not gone unnoticed.
Sounders got out tifo'd at home by the timbers 😂😂
— Tim Allen (@Sportstime407) August 22, 2016
When you rickroll someone in public, you're rickrolling yourself. #Sounders #Tifo
— Big Country Benjamin 🌶 (@BitterTier) August 22, 2016
According to the supporters group Emerald City Supporters, who have claimed responsibility for the Rickroll, it was an attempt to ‘take back’ the derby.
‘This derby is one of the few authentic things in this manufactured league. And it is so only because of a handful of players, coaches, front office executives, and fans who get it and who have guarded it,’ an ECS statement reads.
‘Because you see, this derby isn’t about the onlookers, the cameras, or league marketers.
‘Because you see, for the Emerald City Supporters, this derby is about the players who wear our Club’s crest and who play for the pride of their supporters.
‘Because you see, beyond still being an internet meme 30 years later, Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” is a love song. It is an anthem of deep commitment and devotion. The lyrics speak to the same themes that every supporter from around the world sings to his or her club.
‘So, just like the derby itself, we are taking back this love song and giving it directly to our players.’
Are you convinced?
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