John Thompson from Cold Feet with the slanty flat cap.
Bit before my time but recognise a couple of faces there, especially the guy front and middle getting held back.
I knew most of the older lads in that group by face but not by name as they were a few years older than the group I went with. One in particular always got in the younger lads faces and said "dont Farking run" Needless to say, we didnt. I was about 14 coming on 15 at the time of the photo.
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.
Comments
But as a 62 year old grandad I prefer a cup of coffee and a comfortable seat nowadays
:-)
The way the scruffy f****** dressed in those days they should have had each other in tears.
I'm glad I started going when the 80's casual movement was in full swing.
https://www.google.co.uk/amp/www.kentlive.news/news/kent-news/two-football-fans-been-banned-623977.amp
No sympathy for the other guy with the knuckle duster.