Posted by Albert Tatlock on November 18, 2024, 19:44:24
Last Saturday, about an hour before the kick-off v Wrexham, I was idling away the time at the top of Worrall Street when there hove into view a remarkable spectacle. I rubbed my peepers, but it was still there, a fellow bedecked from head to foot in red, green and white, the full monty, replica shirt, scarf, woolly hat. He had in tow his, (presumably) good lady wife, similarly apparalled.
Being the helpful sort of cove that I am, I pointed him towards the visitors' section, but he brandished an A4 printoff and told me that his place was with the home fans. I could not quite place his accent, but there are parts of the Principality outwith my ken, so made no further enquiry. Perhaps, I mused, he is is a VIP guest of the Club, or maybe a hospitality customer.
Before too long, he reappeared, trudging disconsolately in the opposite direction. He had, not surprisingly, been refused admission, even after offering to conceal the offending garments.
His money had been refunded, but that was scant consolation, he explained to me, as he had travelled all the way from Croatia to watch the game.
I know that segregation is important in the eyes of the powers that be, but I could not help but feel sympathy for this couple. Anything further from a pair of hooligans could hardly be envisaged, and I wished that some solution could have been found. Maybe the staff who dealt with the situation were unable to refer the matter upwards. I would have bent the rules to help them out.
I wish I had taken the chap's photo, he clearly had not the slightest inkling that he was persona non grata.
The previous game, v Bolton, just before kick-off, a pair of fellows were turned away from the Railway End after the elder one, appearing to be of pensionable age, was detected, quite openly, to be wearing a prominent BWFC across his chest. Of course, in his case, he could not have pleaded ignorance. I would have left at home any incriminating garments if I had to pass muster by the stewards at whatever Bolton's place has now been renamed, can't be expected to keep up with the pace of change these days, thank the Lord that EP is still EP, and not the Kentucky McCola Arena or suchlike.
The Bolton fan announced his intention of turning his top inside out and trying his luck again, but if he was unsuccessful he would have done himself a favour.
Just wonder if the chap from Croatia saw anything at the time of booking that would have alerted him. I have trawled through Terms and Conditions and Stadium Policy, cannot see anything that leaps out at me.
Re: An innocent abroad
Posted by tH on November 20, 2024, 14:24:34, in reply to "An innocent abroad"
It's a shame they've not been quite so unwelcoming of the patronising sky blue and red wannabe Mancunians wearing colours in the ground at times.
Re: An innocent abroad
Posted by Albert Tatlock on November 20, 2024, 16:22:58, in reply to "Re: An innocent abroad"
Not seen them, except for kiddies too young to know better (but their Mum and Dad are usually free of such garments).
And I remember when Merseyway was uncluttered by Liverpool tops. Madrid and Barca, OK, I suppose, but there should be on the spot fines for those wearing inappropriate gear.
Re: An innocent abroad
Posted by DownUnderHatter on November 20, 2024, 22:15:59, in reply to "Re: An innocent abroad"
Only Stone Island allowed?
Re: An innocent abroad
Posted by Imposter on November 20, 2024, 6:22:38, in reply to "An innocent abroad"
It is good to know people are turned away and not just allowed in to take the piss.
We all remember that Sunderland game for instance. We will not run, And we will not hide, No we will not give up, We will survive!
Re: An innocent abroad
Posted by Stranded Hatter on November 22, 2024, 14:59:11, in reply to "Re: An innocent abroad"
They didn’t stop the person bedecked in Sunderland gear the other week "Illness is neither an indulgence for which people have to pay, nor an offence for which they should be penalised, but a misfortune, the cost of which should be shared by the community"
Re: An innocent abroad
Posted by Fuzzbox on November 18, 2024, 20:05:40, in reply to "An innocent abroad"
No sod them. The band wagon following fool.
I’ve been in home ends plenty of times and never have I worn County colours. The one that sticks out to me was going in the Bradford end for that game when they were charging £2 for home fans and full whack for County fans. 9B Stockport Edgeley, 9F Heaton Mersey
Re: An innocent abroad
Posted by Albert Tatlock on November 18, 2024, 20:34:13, in reply to "Re: An innocent abroad"
Try following England, as I have, to Slovakia, Poland and so on (wonderful people when there is not a football match in town). Even Switzerland can be dodgy. Incognito and low profile a must in 'their' end.
But the Croatian guy would have been utterly bewildered. Perhaps he believed the 'friendly club' spin.
Still, now he knows the score if there is a next time.
on November 18, 2024, 19:44:24