Do you consider yourself a dedicated sports fan? Does more than half your wardrobe consist of replica gear and T-shirts with your team name on them? Would you do travel across the country to see your team in a big game?

Ha! Manchester City fans scoff at your lack of dedication. They'll do far more than you would to see their beloved club play in a European match.

In fact, 12 Man City supporters found out that their club's opening round UEFA Cup tie would be played against EB/Streymur, a club based in the Faroe Islands, which are situated almost 200 miles north of Scotland. Alas, they couldn't afford airfare to the Faroe Islands, so they did the next best thing -- they hired a fishing trawler for a 26-hour trip across the Norwegian Sea.

That is dedication. It's also complete and total insanity. Show me one American sports fan that would hop on the Minnow to see their team play against a minnow.

With Man City, though, this sort of insanity begins at home. Club owner Thaksin Shinawatra, who almost certainly believes he's done nothing wrong in Thailand, couldn't sign Ronaldinho, so he's moving on to the next best thing -- feng shui.

Magic crystals have been buried under the turf to energise the team's players. Several have already been dug into the centre circle - and dozens more will be hidden beneath the corner flags before the season kicks off on August 17, according to The Daily Mirror.

Bosses believe the crystals will turn the £90million City of Manchester Stadium into a hub of 'positive energy and harmony'.

Of course, it will -- until one of those crystals gets dug up in a Manchester rainstorm and leaves a gash in Elano's ankle. I doubt he'll be feeling the positive energy then.

Then again, maybe those crystals will work their magic on Ronaldinho if AC Milan happens to come to Manchester for a UEFA Cup tie. Why not? It's Man City. Crazy has a home here.

(H/T: Unprofessional Foul)