sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Been at "events" the past 2 nights and the contrast in the way the crowd was treated was frightening. Tuesday night: Morton v Motherwell, Cappielow Visible police presence from approach to venue, patted down on way into ground, watched by police for 2 hours. Crowd fairly tame for a cup tie, small section of 20-30 "ultras" singing and clapping, otherwise usual collection of families, small groups of mainly blokes. No alcohol available in the ground and no sign that anyone (although admittedly didn't see everyone) is overly intoxicated, in fact majority seem sober. One fan is attempted to be arrested/ejected for going over the wall (fair enough) when goal is scored, security staff wade in with the subtlety of a sledge hammer, get folks backs up and a small scuffle breaks out involving several police and security staff and less than a handful of teenage boys. Event is stopped while every police officer in inverclyde is called to the ground for a minor scuffle that's already been dealt with. Wednesday night, Kevin Bridges, SSE Hydro No visible police presence in or around the venue, security staff checking some bags for booze. Crowd a real mix, but a high proportion of the ned element of Glasgow and a lot of folk who have had a good drink and are heading straight to the bar to buy more. Small scuffle breaks out during the show (coincidentally about 10 rows in front of me just like the evening before) 3 members of the event security diffuse the situation, everyone is calmed down and put back in their seat. (No need for ~100 police to rush in, no kettling of the crowd in that section, event carries on, without even a glance across) A guy behind us who has been up and down the stairs several times, every time looking more like he is going to fall down the stairs as he sways from side to side goes for more drink (which he clearly had no problem getting served, i presume ordered by pointing, as I doubt he could speak!) anyway, he is actually helped (virtually carried) back to his seat by the security staff then handed his 2 pints for the last 20 minutes of the show. Really makes me wonder why we accept being treated like animals, criminals and a massive inconvenience when we go to watch football, particularly away games. Also my ticket was £10 cheaper than Scotland v Georgia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParisInAKilt Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I was at the Morton game and it did look from our end to be heavy handed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 Most of the trouble I see in grounds is caused in part by poor or heavy handed policing/stewarding. Without doubt you get the odd bam and they play their part too. If they didn't run on the park or set off smokebombs (surprisingly no pyro on Tuesday) the stewards wouldn't become an issue. The stewards need to learn that they should just identify the culprits and point them out to the police to deal with. As soon as they start wading in, all the wee guys know fine well they can't lay a finger on them and hit record on their smartphones and goad them into doing something they shouldn't. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pool Q Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Summed up for me by the Hearts game at Starks Park last year. Throughout the first half a group of neds stood at the back of the stand shouting abuse and telling any steward who approached to f**k off. All the while the polis could be seen a couple of hundred yards away at the burger fan having a coffee and a blether basically doing hee-haw. Standing where they knew there would be no bother, studiously ignoring the away support section. Eventually a couple of older guys in the Hearts support turned on the neds following the umpteenth racist comment, briefly looked like could be nasy. Stewards ignored, neds calculating whether they sufficiently outnumbered the older guys etc. Simmered for about 20 minutes with stewards getting routine abuse until Fife's finest had finished their burgers and two of them strolled over and up into the stand. Neds obviously instantly scattered, stewards pointed out the older guys who were then taken down into the stand, I guess to make statements thereby missing most of the second half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cove_Sheep Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 The Motherwell Bois do seem a bit neddish. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 The Motherwell Bois do seem a bit neddish. I don't know any of them personally, and don't know how they define who is a "'well boi"? I would agree though that the ned element attach themselves to these groups and do them no favours. Far more neds, but far less police at the Kevin Bridges show though.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stewart_Aberdeen Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Derek Rae is a massive fan of the Motherwell Bois. That b-o-i-s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flora MaDonald Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Are the SS now disbanded and replaced by this b-o-I-s mob? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 Are the SS now disbanded and replaced by this b-o-I-s mob? Some of the Bois da's were probably in the SS. They still come out for a Scottish cup away day, but that's about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deecie Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 The Motherwell team are far more amusing than Kevin Bridges. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_B81 Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Even though football has largely moved on and the general behaviour of football fans has improved dramatically, there still seems to be this stigma stretching back to the 80's that football fans are hooligans and the police/stewards treat them as such. You don't see anywhere near the same treatment at other events, whether it'd be another sport or a gig, simply because it's perceived as a different type of customer that are attending. That being said, a minority of Motherwell fans don't help their own cause, as emphasised with the pitch invasion after the playoff game last season, where some were not just on to celebrate their victory incidentally. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 Even though football has largely moved on and the general behaviour of football fans has improved dramatically, there still seems to be this stigma stretching back to the 80's that football fans are hooligans and the police/stewards treat them as such. You don't see anywhere near the same treatment at other events, whether it'd be another sport or a gig, simply because it's perceived as a different type of customer that are attending. That being said, a minority of Motherwell fans don't help their own cause, as emphasised with the pitch invasion after the playoff game last season, where some were not just on to celebrate their victory incidentally. Agree with all of that. The 1st point was what I was trying to illustrate with my comparison. (Btw The weekend shows will be carnage if last night's crowd is anything to go by) I can't argue with the 2nd point either, I don't think I've heard any Motherwell fan try to defend some of the behaviour at the end of the play off game, and while I don't really mind the smoke bombs and flares, it doesn't help them gain the trust or respect of other clubs and the police. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 The Motherwell team are far more amusing than Kevin Bridges. To be fair the show was decent enough, although it wasn't that easy to concentrate with all the steamers wandering about taking selfies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Squirrelhumper Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Some of the Bois da's were probably in the SS. They still come out for a Scottish cup away day, but that's about it. There were plenty older SS out for Rangers play off. Jack Daniels was mobbed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Donaldo87 Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Apologies for posting a link to the dross that is Only an excuse but the scene at 20:55 pretty much sums it up! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deecie Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 To be fair the show was decent enough, although it wasn't that easy to concentrate with all the steamers wandering about taking selfies. Like the way you defended Bridges rather than your team Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 (edited) Like the way you defended Bridges rather than your team I actually found it quite amusing at times on Tuesday how bad we were. I couldn't understand the euphoria when we equalised, it was the least I've ever celebrated a last minute equaliser in my life. Was only prolonging the agony for another 30 minutes. Edited September 24, 2015 by sbcmfc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wee-toon-red Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Been at "events" the past 2 nights and the contrast in the way the crowd was treated was frightening. Tuesday night: Morton v Motherwell, Cappielow Visible police presence from approach to venue, patted down on way into ground, watched by police for 2 hours. Crowd fairly tame for a cup tie, small section of 20-30 "ultras" singing and clapping, otherwise usual collection of families, small groups of mainly blokes. No alcohol available in the ground and no sign that anyone (although admittedly didn't see everyone) is overly intoxicated, in fact majority seem sober. One fan is attempted to be arrested/ejected for going over the wall (fair enough) when goal is scored, security staff wade in with the subtlety of a sledge hammer, get folks backs up and a small scuffle breaks out involving several police and security staff and less than a handful of teenage boys. Event is stopped while every police officer in inverclyde is called to the ground for a minor scuffle that's already been dealt with. Wednesday night, Kevin Bridges, SSE Hydro No visible police presence in or around the venue, security staff checking some bags for booze. Crowd a real mix, but a high proportion of the ned element of Glasgow and a lot of folk who have had a good drink and are heading straight to the bar to buy more. Small scuffle breaks out during the show (coincidentally about 10 rows in front of me just like the evening before) 3 members of the event security diffuse the situation, everyone is calmed down and put back in their seat. (No need for ~100 police to rush in, no kettling of the crowd in that section, event carries on, without even a glance across) A guy behind us who has been up and down the stairs several times, every time looking more like he is going to fall down the stairs as he sways from side to side goes for more drink (which he clearly had no problem getting served, i presume ordered by pointing, as I doubt he could speak!) anyway, he is actually helped (virtually carried) back to his seat by the security staff then handed his 2 pints for the last 20 minutes of the show. Really makes me wonder why we accept being treated like animals, criminals and a massive inconvenience when we go to watch football, particularly away games. Also my ticket was £10 cheaper than Scotland v Georgia. Aside from the stuff about policing etc, the thing that strikes me from your post is the amount of arseholes who can't go to a game or gig without being steaming and getting involved in a fight. It's a disgrace that a fight can break out at a football match, never mind a comedy gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_B81 Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Aside from the stuff about policing etc, the thing that strikes me from your post is the amount of arseholes who can't go to a game or gig without being steaming and getting involved in a fight. It's a disgrace that a fight can break out at a football match, never mind a comedy gig. It does make you wonder if the alcohol ban that applies to football should be extended to other events. There is that element of "why punish the majority for the actions of the minority", for example you don't hear many (if any) stories of people being too drunk and causing trouble at the rugby so it'd be unfair to punish them for the actions of arseholes at the football, comedy gigs and darts to name a few. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbcmfc Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 I'm on the fence a bit on the alcohol ban at the football. On the one hand it really annoys me that football fans aren't treated like those who attend any other event, sporting or otherwise. On the other hand, their is a minority who regularly remind us why... The guy last night who could hardly stand shouldn't have been served at the bar (regardless of where it was, that's just the law), had it been a football match, I doubt he'd have been admitted in the first place, and best case would've been escorted out the ground. He certainly wouldn't have had help up the stairs with his drinks (although this may have been due to the serious threat of spillage! Which was possibly the cause of the earlier fight?). Scotland (or Scottish culture) does have a drink problem, but that's a seperate issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giblet Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I'm on the fence a bit on the alcohol ban at the football. On the one hand it really annoys me that football fans aren't treated like those who attend any other event, sporting or otherwise. On the other hand, their is a minority who regularly remind us why... The guy last night who could hardly stand shouldn't have been served at the bar (regardless of where it was, that's just the law), had it been a football match, I doubt he'd have been admitted in the first place, and best case would've been escorted out the ground. He certainly wouldn't have had help up the stairs with his drinks (although this may have been due to the serious threat of spillage! Which was possibly the cause of the earlier fight?). Scotland (or Scottish culture) does have a drink problem, but that's a seperate issue. Agree with the OP, you just have to see how people are treated before and after big concerts at Hampden compared to how we are treated. some of the scenes a few years back before the Take That concert were disgusting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shaddypeekey Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I was in the Cowshed on Tuesday night, and genuinely didn't think the Motherwell fans were any bother. It was quite refreshing to hear an atmosphere in the away end, the wee drummer can hold a fair tune! I did think it a wee bit weird that some of your fans went mental when you equalised, and particularly funny when we scored our second. If it makes you feel bettter, we've got the self proclaimed mighty rangers visiting on Sunday. The polis and stewards will be on overdrive for that one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_B81 Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I'm on the fence a bit on the alcohol ban at the football. On the one hand it really annoys me that football fans aren't treated like those who attend any other event, sporting or otherwise. On the other hand, their is a minority who regularly remind us why... The guy last night who could hardly stand shouldn't have been served at the bar (regardless of where it was, that's just the law), had it been a football match, I doubt he'd have been admitted in the first place, and best case would've been escorted out the ground. He certainly wouldn't have had help up the stairs with his drinks (although this may have been due to the serious threat of spillage! Which was possibly the cause of the earlier fight?). Scotland (or Scottish culture) does have a drink problem, but that's a seperate issue. Personally, I'm against lifting the alcohol ban as I've seen far too many football fans stagger into grounds, ignorantly bumping into folk around them without acknowledging their actions (probably unaware of what's happening) and being aggressive, i.e. folk who blatantly can't handle their drink. Sections of Scotland fans are worse for it btw. You're spot on about a drink problem in this country, problem is there are too many in denial to acknowledge this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geed Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 One of the reasons i no longer go to club football games, stewards are police are too heavy handed when majority of the time there is no need to be. Heavy hands, Emptys Stands Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DoonTheSlope Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 some of the scenes a few years back before the Take That concert were disgusting. Women peeing in people's gardens just as you leave Mount Florida at the Take That and when Robbie left again he done a solo concert and the same stuff was going on then Surprise surprise before the Serbia game my pal tried to be discrete and went up a back alley for a pish and got done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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