Of course, a cynic might suggest that Leeds are only making a stand against vile chants in an effort to head off any sanctions from the FA after the shocking events at Hillsborough, but let's not be churlish. I have called for West Ham to take more strenuous action against the morons on the terraces who chant disgusting things, and Leeds have now taken the initiative by calling on fans to turn their backs in disgust.
It's a start, but it's not enough. All clubs know where the trouble makers gather and it is time for much stronger enforcement of codes of decency. Cameras must be trained on these sections of the ground and microphones set up pitch side to catch exactly what is being "sung". It will then be easy to show images of those responsible and to issue lifelong bans from the ground whilst using local rags such as the YEP to publicly shame the scum who turn football into a war.
The cry will go up that it is just "banter" but that is nonsense. It is foul, it is abusive, it is disgusting and it is utterly unacceptable. Chants should be affirmative, positive, encouraging and directed at the players on the pitch - there is no place for the foul abuse that so often features in games.
As ideas go i think the turn your back campaign is rather a good one! It visually shows a set of fans taking a stand against sickening abuse. Leeds fans in general are no better or worse than other clubs fans, unfortunately a few have put us under the spotlight! Atleast the club has taken a step towards stamping the problem out. The difficulty in your idea is where does banter turn to abuse? Is it possible to ban everyone who chants something offensive? The grounds would be empty, many chants are in good humour but may offend someone? You yourself call us stupid northern knuckle draggers (or words to that effect)it doesnt offend me but may offend others, does this mean you should be reprimanded? (maybe a poor example but im sure someone as smart as you gets my point)
ReplyDeleteI think we should take a stand against hate filled bloggers next! haha.
Hey I really like what you have written. I did worry about the draconian nature of the premise. But I think this is 2012 and there is no place for these throwback morons in football.
ReplyDeleteI do worry that if you take the "needle"out of football it will lose its edge?
If we all sit there singing hymns
and hugging each other it might start to lose its attraction !
F**K off C**T
ReplyDeleteYou obviously have developed a new pattern of writing good pieces but sandwiched in between is some garbage. I am therefore expecting your next article to be jealous drivel. Maybe you'll break the pattern. Btw chants often start because rival fans chanted something else. You need 92 sets of microphones not just the ones at Elland Road.
ReplyDeleteagree with the last post f*** off c*** stop being a b****
ReplyDeleteplank
ReplyDeleteYes, get the LUMPEN muck out of football....oh wait a minute that would include all the players too..
ReplyDeleteDo you ever go to games, hf?
ReplyDeleteWhilst I certainly don't condone racism, child abuse or even chants about the Munich air disaster the reality is these chants come from an extreme minority. Ever heard of football turrets? Im a vey respectible person but still unable to sit through a game of football without throwing in the odd 'F' word (quite loudly as well).
For alot of us thats what makes football, football. I think 2058 is spot on that it would lose its "edge". I mean once I ended up calling the linesman a f**** c*** for missing a blatant offside decision. The woman next to me gave me a right mouthfull (and she had a go at me) and I couldnt understand why. Granted I was in the family stand but you get my point.
f**k you ya f****n loser
ReplyDelete