When I first started going to watch games in the stadium, I was worried about violence and run ins between opposing fan groups. And I was positively surprised on how civil everyone behaves. There is of course the shouting and chanting, but it's restricted to within the stadium and it always goes both ways. It actually adds to the whole atmosphere.
Lots of security and police were around yesterday, making sure that Pompey and Seagull fans were kept apart. We were made to wait on the bridge that crosses the railway to the stadium, for a group of Portsmouth fans to go over first. There were only about 40-50 people, but most of them looking like proper hooligans: shaven heads, middle aged men - with hate in their eyes. I was rather shocked when they started shouting abuse at us, primarily making reference to all Brighton fans being gay - very original.** Fortunately, the Brighton fans decided not to react to it. I was getting a little worried about a brawl breaking out right there on the bridge.
I don't have a problem with rivalry - but I really think it should be restricted to the stadium during the game. But this just overstepped the mark from friendly banter to aggressive abuse. While making their way to the away side, two of the blokes couldn't keep their mouths shut. I don't know what exactly happened, but they got pulled out by police. I'm not sure whether it was punishment or a blessing in disguise for them: as they missed out on the Brighton boys beating Portsmouth 2:0. So, they are still bottom of the league. Too bad...
And Brighton remain unbeaten in the league in 2012! Good times!
And the hero of the day:
* According to the Welcome to Portsmouth website, it remains unclear where this nickname that is being used for both the city and the football club originates from.
** And I love the reply: You are too ugly to be gay.
No comments:
Post a Comment