The press are variously describing it as a 'mouth-watering tie' and a 'grudge match' but neither are really accurate. The FA Cup second round tie between Milton Keynes Dons and Wimbledon is not really a grudge match as there is simply no history or heritage of the fixture, and for a very good reason; there is no history or heritage of Milton Keynes Dons at all.
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that Wimbledon supporters are savouring the opportunity to beat MK Dons and settle any scores. This is not a rivalry, this is a principle. For almost all Wimbledon supporters, MK Dons is a football club that simply should not exist; a club which stole Wimbledon's place in the league by dubious means and who ought not to be recognized at all. This is a match many are simply dreading, as they never wanted it to happen.
When Saturday Comes, the excellent monthly magazine, still does not officially recognize MK Dons. Their annual season preview supplements, in which supporters of the other 91 league clubs in England answer questions on the season ahead, simply has 'No questions asked' in the MK Dons section. For some, this now appears archaic and petty; for many others, it is a perfectly reasonably adherence to a consistent stance on the issue.
The key issue for Wimbledon fans is now whether to go to the match. Many have vowed never to set foot in the pretentiously titled stadium:mk, some even lobby other clubs' supporters not to go to away matches there, a request which is acceded to by many.
But there are others who feel that they simply want to support their team, whoever they are playing. There is no reason why going to support Wimbledon away at MK Dons should be read as acknowledgement of the latter club's 'legitimacy'.
The most important thing, therefore, is that Wimbledon fans respect each other's choice. The match has to be played: Wimbledon would face severe sanctions if they refused to play. The alternative is to be divided and conquered. Those who go are not 'scabs' crossing a picket line. Both positions have a certain logic behind them, it is simply a question of personal conviction.
What of other supporters? With the predictability of day following night, ITV Sport have chosen the match for live Sunday lunchtime coverage, so we will all be able to intrude on private grief. There is, though, talk of the away end being filled by a kind of 'Fans United' assembly, with supporters of other clubs turning up, in their colours, to support Wimbledon against 'Franchise FC'. A show of unity in the face of what many perceive as being the face of all that is wrong with modern football.
This has a certain appeal but a personal view is that this would miss the point. The issue here is identity and legitimacy, which transcend the game. Wimbledon beating MK Dons will not settle any scores, just as MK Dons would not gain the moral high ground if, as is likely, they win through to the third round. The result is, in many ways, an irrelevance.
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