I must say - I didn't enjoy myself one bit and, sadly, it's not just about the performance.
It started poorly when I found my seat was behind the goal. A particularly crap view. I found my block of 4 seats were 3 in one block and the last one was across the steps in the next block. Not a big deal.
The seats in front had a mesh on them so you couldn't sit there - however those seats had been sold. The chief steward came over and said "There will be plenty of space - just let common sense prevail". I explained we had sold the end out and that this wasn't going to go well and he shrugged it off.
Anyway - the game started and fans filtered in late - delays caused by the bag searches - but that was to be expected so not really an issue. Until people found no seats available so just stood where they were. This continued into the second half and before long we were surrounded by fans effing and jeffing. I make no apologies for the language I am about to write because it all came out of Charlton fan's mouths on Saturday. My 5 year old heard it, an old lady heard it, everyone heard it.
"Oh fuck off Holmes you useless c*nt" when he misplaced a cross
"Fosu you're shit. You're a shitc*nt" when he missed a chance
To their grizzly bear of a keeper "I've fucked your mum. And your sister" or "your mum is a slag"
"Kashi you are shit - why doesn't Karl take the useless c*nt off"
And then at random moments in time "C*nt", "Break his fucking legs, the c*nt" "Don't let him run at you you c*nt"
I expect a bit of language but since when did this particular word become so mainstream and acceptable. I heard an old lady saying "Stop saying that - Would you say that to your mother" - she was told to shut up (words to that effect).
I just think it's unnecessary - maybe I'm in the minority.
Then there's the smoke bombs. That's just idiotic. One of the idiots has been arrested for possession of smoke bombs AND a knuckleduster (he's received praise on the Facebook page - what a role model!)
I left at the beginning of injury time but my friend in the Gills stand told me the end of the match was as ugly with fans snarling and hurling more abuse at the players at the end.
This isn't the club I love. I know it's not the majority and maybe I was just unlucky with where I happened to be sat - but I was embarrassed at the weekend. It's likely to be the last away game for my son for a while because I don't want him hearing that sort of language and thinking it's acceptable. And if he's doesn't go then I won't because I'd rather spend my time with him than some of the shaved chimps that attended on Saturday.
Oh - and to cap it off I missed the goal because my son needed a wee!
In summary ; Crap ground, crap stewards, crap match, missed the goal, idiots.
Rant over
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Comments
As said to the other fella last week, not a game / stand I would take my little un to.
Organisation generally was a joke. Queued up for 25 mins to get in. Missed the start. Was probably a 1,000 still outside at ko. Had they delayed ko by just 5-10 mins they could have got everyone in and filtered people into seats. Instead by the time everyone got in aisles were being filled so you didn't have no choice but to stay there
If you're comfortable with your kids saying things like that then that's up to you - but I am not.
Swis has a point - unfortunately though we seem to be accumulating more of the scumbag element.
Comfortable with it? - No. Is it necessary? - No. Is it inevitable? - Yes.
As long as you bring your kid(s) to behave/speak how you want them to behave then that is fine.
You took them to a football match where that language is often heard - maybe that was a bad parenting decision.
The above being said, I'm not entirely sure how C*** has become acceptable word to use across football. For me it says something about the persons intellect if they can't come up with a better adjective than that.
Point taken - I'll never complain about Charlton fans again. Close the thread.
(so pretty much every other away game we have
It's a massive shame and let's be honest here, there is no need for all of that language especially with kids around. I'll quite happily label people throwing smoke bombs and flares as morons as are those using the c word in front of kids.
I know I will get pelters but hey, that's fine. Nothing wrong with getting drunk and having fun but there must be a line surely.
Where's that tin hat?
I'm not saying its right and anyone should have to put up with it, but it happens and is always going to happen.