Since we're going down this hijacked path here is my analogy re: soccer in the States.
I love soccer. I played in HS and in college, and coached at the HS level. I love Manchester United. And I am never more passionate than when the USMNT plays in the World Cup. I think anyone who knows me would not dispute my soccer bona fides.
However, I see soccer in the States like Tim Tebow. People who love soccer (or love Tim Tebow) spend soooo much of their time telling other people why they should also love soccer (or Tim Tebow) that they end up having the opposite affect, and people end up hating soccer (or Tim Tebow) more than they would have had they never been told why soccer (or Tim Tebow) is the greatest thing in the history of the world.
In short, I think people hate "soccer guy" (or "Tim Tebow guy") more than they actually hate soccer (or Tim Tebow).
End rant.