Fan behaviour

[Jimbo76]

Ok, so this post is going to annoy some.

First off, I'm not naive about the behaviour of football fans. Before moving away from Bristol, throughout the 90s, I had a season ticket in the upper part of Dolman block C so was fairly close to the 'excitable' fans and have heard, joined in with and laughed frequently at the songs and general banter that is standard across football.

But yesterday was, for me, a different experience. Now my views will be affected by the fact that I was taking my 7 year old to his first ever football match and I wanted it to be a success.

It wasn't (ok the football didn't help but that's not the issue). I had already warned him that he would hear lots of swearing and I expected to hear all forms and lots of it. Again, not the issue.

For me, the issue is the anger and vitriol that accompanied it and the apparent obsession with paedophillia. This was a pre season friendly in sunny weather at another West country club. Perfect opportunity for singing, banter and classic terrace humour.

Why then did I ( and more importantly my 7 year old) have to listen to at least 25 minutes of foul abuse, singling out a Plymouth fan as a ****ing n*nce, a ****ing p*edo and various other forms of the same abuse. All delivered, as I say, with what seemed like genuine anger. Why?

Even when the target had to relocate because of the abuse and there was a kid left there, apparently crying (according to the bloke next to me), it prompted songs of 'where's your daddy gone?', 'we want our paedo back' etc...

My lad didn't know where to look and when I asked if he was alright he said he was a bit scared. I asked why and he said because of 'all the angry men'.

When did paedophillia become funny?

He heard the terms so many times yesterday that all he wanted to know afterwards was what a 'paedo' and a 'n*nce' were. I dread to think what he'll be saying in the playground tomorrow.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

I know some will read this and think I'm being over sensitive, and there may be some truth in that, because I was so keen for my lad to enjoy the day (and he didn't) but I really think there is a question of appropriate behaviour to be asked.

Edited July 17, 2022 by Jimbo76
Spelling

[joe jordans teeth]

10 minutes ago, Jimbo76 said:

Ok, so this post is going to annoy some.

First off, I'm not naive about the behaviour of football fans. Before moving away from Bristol, throughout the 90s, I had a season ticket in the upper part of Dolman block C so was fairly close to the 'excitable' fans and have heard, joined in with and laughed frequently at the songs and general banter that is standard across football.

But yesterday was, for me, a different experience. Now my views will be affected by the fact that I was taking my 7 year old to his first ever football match and I wanted it to be a success.

It wasn't (ok the football didn't help but that's not the issue). I had already warned him that he would hear lots of swearing and I expected to hear all forms and lots of it. Again, not the issue.

For me, the issue is the anger and vitriol that accompanied it and the apparent obsession with paedophillia. This was a pre season friendly in sunny weather at another West country club. Perfect opportunity for singing, banter and classic terrace humour.

Why then did I ( and more importantly my 7 year old) have to listen to at least 25 minutes of foul abuse, singling out a Plymouth fan as a ****ing n*nce, a ****ing p*edo and various other forms of the same abuse. All delivered, as I say, with what seemed like genuine anger. Why?

Even when the target had to relocate because of the abuse and there was a kid left there, apparently crying (according to the bloke next to me), it prompted songs of 'where's your daddy gone?', 'we want our paedo back' etc...

My lad didn't know where to look and when I asked if he was alright he said he was a bit scared. I asked why and he said because of 'all the angry men'.

When did paedophillia become funny?

He heard the terms so many times yesterday that all he wanted to know afterwards was what a 'paedo' and a 'n*nce' were. I dread to think what he'll be saying in the playground tomorrow.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

I know some will read this and think I'm being over sensitive, and there may be some truth in that, because I was so keen for my lad to enjoy the day (and he didn't) but I really think there is a question of appropriate behaviour to be asked.

Doesn’t annoy me in one little bit but it seems your rant is that you took your kid and it upset you,quite what the weather has anything to do with it I’m not sure as for cricket you mean the sport where they are fighting in the stands all the time(there is a thread if you look)and let’s not get started on the myth of no trouble at rugby games,as for your son be a proper parent and tell him what he heard was wrong,not rocket science 

[Jimbo76]

Just now, joe jordans teeth said:

Doesn’t annoy me in one little bit but it seems your rant is that you took your kid and it upset you,quite what the weather has anything to do with it I’m not sure as for cricket you mean the sport where they are fighting in the stands all the time(there is a thread if you look)and let’s not get started on the myth of no trouble at rugby games,as for your son be a proper parent and tell him what he heard was wrong,not rocket science 

I'd venture it has annoyed you slightly?

[joe jordans teeth]

3 minutes ago, Jimbo76 said:

I'd venture it has annoyed you slightly?

Hasn’t at all,apart from the the I dread to think what he will say in the playground,it’s your bloody son have some control

Edited July 17, 2022 by joe jordans teeth

[redrob]

20 minutes ago, Jimbo76 said:

Ok, so this post is going to annoy some.

First off, I'm not naive about the behaviour of football fans. Before moving away from Bristol, throughout the 90s, I had a season ticket in the upper part of Dolman block C so was fairly close to the 'excitable' fans and have heard, joined in with and laughed frequently at the songs and general banter that is standard across football.

But yesterday was, for me, a different experience. Now my views will be affected by the fact that I was taking my 7 year old to his first ever football match and I wanted it to be a success.

It wasn't (ok the football didn't help but that's not the issue). I had already warned him that he would hear lots of swearing and I expected to hear all forms and lots of it. Again, not the issue.

For me, the issue is the anger and vitriol that accompanied it and the apparent obsession with paedophillia. This was a pre season friendly in sunny weather at another West country club. Perfect opportunity for singing, banter and classic terrace humour.

Why then did I ( and more importantly my 7 year old) have to listen to at least 25 minutes of foul abuse, singling out a Plymouth fan as a ****ing n*nce, a ****ing p*edo and various other forms of the same abuse. All delivered, as I say, with what seemed like genuine anger. Why?

Even when the target had to relocate because of the abuse and there was a kid left there, apparently crying (according to the bloke next to me), it prompted songs of 'where's your daddy gone?', 'we want our paedo back' etc...

My lad didn't know where to look and when I asked if he was alright he said he was a bit scared. I asked why and he said because of 'all the angry men'.

When did paedophillia become funny?

He heard the terms so many times yesterday that all he wanted to know afterwards was what a 'paedo' and a 'n*nce' were. I dread to think what he'll be saying in the playground tomorrow.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

I know some will read this and think I'm being over sensitive, and there may be some truth in that, because I was so keen for my lad to enjoy the day (and he didn't) but I really think there is a question of appropriate behaviour to be asked.

Sorry you and your boy had to experience this. It shouldn't be the case and quite frankly I don't know why football 'fans' have to be like this when other teams sports don't have the same. 

And at a pre-season friendly makes it even more deplorable. 

Wanting to take my 7 year old (he saw one game when he was 4) but its behaviour like this that puts me off. 

 

 

[TV Tom]

I’m afraid it’s a very common thing at most matches, you either accept it and take it in your stride or not

[RoystonFoote'snephew]

I don't like the sexual chants either and I'm an old git who knows what the words mean although I expect many of those chanting such filth don't. You have to remember you're dealing with 15-20 year olds with 4th-6th form mentality where 'boobies' make them snigger or a, few older types who haven't got their mind out of the 6th form yet. If it was an individual you could report it to the stewards but they're not going to take action against a sizeable group. I never took my nephew to a City away match until he was 15 and I certainly wouldn't take my 7 year old great nephew to one, which is sad. He's better off watching Melksham Town. 

[archie andrews]

Was the plymouth fan giving it the"biggun"? 

[joe jordans teeth]

8 minutes ago, redrob said:

Sorry you and your boy had to experience this. It shouldn't be the case and quite frankly I don't know why football 'fans' have to be like this when other teams sports don't have the same. 

And at a pre-season friendly makes it even more deplorable. 

Wanting to take my 7 year old (he saw one game when he was 4) but its behaviour like this that puts me off. 

 

 

Why at a pre-season friendly does it make it worse,what a odd comment 

[Jimbo76]

16 minutes ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Hasn’t at all,apart from the the I dread to think what he will say in the playground,it’s your bloody son have some control

I'll pass on the parenting tips, but thanks.

[joe jordans teeth]

1 minute ago, Jimbo76 said:

I'll pass on the parenting tips, but thanks.

You are welcome or he will turn out to be one of the people singing it,I know you can’t discipline children now so just force a marmite sandwich down his neck

[Stortz]

50 minutes ago, Jimbo76 said:

Ok, so this post is going to annoy some.

First off, I'm not naive about the behaviour of football fans. Before moving away from Bristol, throughout the 90s, I had a season ticket in the upper part of Dolman block C so was fairly close to the 'excitable' fans and have heard, joined in with and laughed frequently at the songs and general banter that is standard across football.

But yesterday was, for me, a different experience. Now my views will be affected by the fact that I was taking my 7 year old to his first ever football match and I wanted it to be a success.

It wasn't (ok the football didn't help but that's not the issue). I had already warned him that he would hear lots of swearing and I expected to hear all forms and lots of it. Again, not the issue.

For me, the issue is the anger and vitriol that accompanied it and the apparent obsession with paedophillia. This was a pre season friendly in sunny weather at another West country club. Perfect opportunity for singing, banter and classic terrace humour.

Why then did I ( and more importantly my 7 year old) have to listen to at least 25 minutes of foul abuse, singling out a Plymouth fan as a ****ing n*nce, a ****ing p*edo and various other forms of the same abuse. All delivered, as I say, with what seemed like genuine anger. Why?

Even when the target had to relocate because of the abuse and there was a kid left there, apparently crying (according to the bloke next to me), it prompted songs of 'where's your daddy gone?', 'we want our paedo back' etc...

My lad didn't know where to look and when I asked if he was alright he said he was a bit scared. I asked why and he said because of 'all the angry men'.

When did paedophillia become funny?

He heard the terms so many times yesterday that all he wanted to know afterwards was what a 'paedo' and a 'n*nce' were. I dread to think what he'll be saying in the playground tomorrow.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

I know some will read this and think I'm being over sensitive, and there may be some truth in that, because I was so keen for my lad to enjoy the day (and he didn't) but I really think there is a question of appropriate behaviour to be asked.

I understand how frustrating your day must have been, as a parent who has taken my daughter then my son with various levels of success in various situations.

Unfortunately, and I say this with no hint of malice, the behaviour of others is seen as far more unacceptable when you're stressing about what your kid is hearing. It's not going to change because you don't want to hear it.

My kids always knew that a condition of going to football is that what you hear there, stays there. I hope your next attempt works out better for you!

Edited July 17, 2022 by Stortz

[redapple]

There’s good banter, witty banter, intelligent banter and brain-dead banter. I’m with the OP. 

[East Londoner]

The whole thing yesterday was pretty bizarre, the Plymouth fan in question seemed to revel in the attention and it was bizarre that Plymouths stewards solution was to move him and not the people he was with 

As for the chants, I’ve hear them at several away games and whilst it’s pretty cringeworthy it seems par for the course although it’s unfortunate that kids get to hear it 

Edited July 17, 2022 by East Londoner
Spelling

[Northern Red]

I bet if you asked the people singing why they were doing it, they wouldn't be able to tell you.

[Alan Dicks]

They want to kick racism out the game, why not this too?

Edited July 17, 2022 by Alan Dicks

[joe jordans teeth]

10 minutes ago, Alan Dicks said:

They want to kick racism out the game, why not this too?

Kick what out 

[joe jordans teeth]

15 minutes ago, Northern Red said:

I bet if you asked the people singing why they were doing it, they wouldn't be able to tell you.

Are you suggesting they don’t know what it is,they may be dim but let’s not underestimate them

[Alan Dicks]

8 minutes ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Kick what out 

People singing about such vile acts as if it were funny.

[joe jordans teeth]

1 minute ago, Alan Dicks said:

People singing about such vile acts as if it were funny.

Like the Gerry Gow song I’m guessing because it’s a bit violent,let’s all sing ole ole ole I guess for 90 minutes 

[Redtucks]

1 hour ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Why at a pre-season friendly does it make it worse,what a odd comment 

Not really.

The game was a friendly. Surely not need for such vitriol.

No need for it at any game though, is there???

 

[pongo88]

1 hour ago, harrys said:

I’m afraid it’s a very common thing at most matches, you either accept it and take it in your stride or not

Why should people accept something that is wrong? People should never accept unacceptable behaviour. I’m old enough to remember how bad things were in the 60s and 70s when things were really bad. Younger supporters don’t realise what it was like in those days when you went to a football match. I thought things were getting better, but obviously not. The fact that a 7 year old ended up crying because of “all the angry men” is disgraceful. Well done to @Jimbo76 for standing up to this 

[Alan Dicks]

15 minutes ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Like the Gerry Gow song I’m guessing because it’s a bit violent,let’s all sing ole ole ole I guess for 90 minutes 

I don’t recall any songs sung about Gerry that mentions the vile act of paedophillia.

[Sir Geoff]

7 minutes ago, Alan Dicks said:

I don’t recall any songs sung about Gerry that mentions the vile act of paedophillia.

Or violence.

[Super]

If anyone thinks singing your dad is a n**ce to a little girl is a funny thing to do then they are a sad individual. Embarrassing.

[joe jordans teeth]

13 minutes ago, Alan Dicks said:

I don’t recall any songs sung about Gerry that mentions the vile act of paedophillia.

Clearly missing the point 

 

6 minutes ago, Sir Geoff said:

Or violence.

you don’t know the second part then

[Sir Geoff]

9 minutes ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Clearly missing the point 

 

you don’t know the second part the

Seeing that I last sang it about 45 years ago, no I don't recall a second part.

[Merrick's Marvels]

1 hour ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Kick what out 

Fuckwitery.

Then again, football crowds would be decimated. 

[HitchinRed]

I’m afraid that ‘banter’ is part and parcel of the game.
At home games it’s not so much of a problem because you can choose to sit in the family section (although even this doesn’t seem to guarantee there isn’t some knobhead swearing and I think these people should be ejected from the section).

However, at away games there isn’t a choice where you sit, and hence I sympathise with the OP. Again I would like to think that people would look around them and tone it down if there were young children around, but I accept that this would be optimistic.

The option that would help is unreserved seating for away games. I know this isn’t popular with some, but this would allow people to choose to sit in a section which is less likely to be as ‘aggressive’.

[Super]

21 minutes ago, HitchinRed said:

I’m afraid that ‘banter’ is part and parcel of the game.
At home games it’s not so much of a problem because you can choose to sit in the family section (although even this doesn’t seem to guarantee there isn’t some knobhead swearing and I think these people should be ejected from the section).

However, at away games there isn’t a choice where you sit, and hence I sympathise with the OP. Again I would like to think that people would look around them and tone it down if there were young children around, but I accept that this would be optimistic.

The option that would help is unreserved seating for away games. I know this isn’t popular with some, but this would allow people to choose to sit in a section which is less likely to be as ‘aggressive’.

Or these idiots could just grow up or is that asking too much?

[Taylor10]

1 minute ago, Super said:

Or these idiots could just grow up or is that asking too much?

A lot of these idiots don’t have the self control or intelligence when sober, let alone after a few beers.

I agree with the OP to an extent. I enjoy the banter & singing at games (I am not one to sing for 90mins mind) however yesterday that just felt a little over the top. I guess everyone behaves differently to how they ordinarily would away from football matches but that was just uncomfortable yesterday.

What if it was the Plymouth kids first game? Just very odd behaviour. Really is.

[Bristol Rob]

Powder and booze does a less amusing football fan make.

Not sure how abusing a home supporter equates to encouraging City to win, or hampers the efforts of the opposition.

Not that I care that much, I was probably eating a FAB ice lolly and watching cricket at the time.

[Robbored]

2 hours ago, Jimbo76 said:

Ok, so this post is going to annoy some.

First off, I'm not naive about the behaviour of football fans. Before moving away from Bristol, throughout the 90s, I had a season ticket in the upper part of Dolman block C so was fairly close to the 'excitable' fans and have heard, joined in with and laughed frequently at the songs and general banter that is standard across football.But yesterday was, for me, a different experience. Now my views will be affected by the fact that I was taking my 7 and I expected to hear all forms and lots of it. Again, not the issue.

For me, the issue is the anger and vitriol that accompanied it and the apparent obsession with paedophillia. This was a pre season friendly in sunny weather at another West country club. Perfect opportunity for singing, banter and classic terrace humour.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

I know some will read this and think I'm being over sensitive, and there may be some truth in that, because I was so keen for my lad to enjoy the day (and he didn't) but I really think there is a question of appropriate behaviour to be asked.

Unfortunately profanity and bigoted comments - nearly always aimed at opposing fans or players are all too common at football matches and is for the course - certainly with professional football and has gone on for decades, probably since the game first started attracting fans well over a century ago.

Maybe you should take you lad to see the Bears at AG - it’s a very different atmosphere and he’ll get to experience a packed out AG and that’s a great experience in itself.

 

[Jimbo76]

4 minutes ago, Robbored said:

Unfortunately profanity and bigoted comments - nearly always aimed at opposing fans or players are all too common at football matches and is for the course - certainly with professional football and has gone on for decades, probably since the game first started attracting fans well over a century ago.

Maybe you should take you lad to see the Bears at AG - it’s a very different atmosphere and he’ll get to experience a packed out AG and that’s a great experience in itself.

 

I can take him to see City at Ashton Gate and sit in the Lansdown Stand and have a great day - and that's what we will do.

Away games with a little one probably not a good idea. But seeing as I live in Devon, it seemed a good idea.

[bcfc01]

2 hours ago, Northern Red said:

I bet if you asked the people singing why they were doing it, they wouldn't be able to tell you.

Because they have the collective mentality of a 12 year old.

 

[Greedo]

4 hours ago, Jimbo76 said:

.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

 

Go watch cricket or rugby instead then softlad

[Ska Junkie]

Sorry Jimbo, you've been to enough games to know the score.

My dad took me in the 70's which was much worse and I took my lad in the noughties, which was like today.

Young blokes will always shout something abusive, as they've always done, without really realising what they're saying, probably thatchers fuelled ( or something worse) to look 'hard' / funny ( it's not).

Sadly, for us parents, it becomes a parenting lesson that what they hear at football isn't repeated.

Dad sold it to me as a 'father and son' thing and I did the same, luckily it worked.

I'm most certainly not condoning what was chanted but, as a responsible parent, you really do know what to do WTGR.

[Big C]

4 hours ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Are you suggesting they don’t know what it is,they may be dim but let’s not underestimate them

I'd be surprised if they could spell it let alone what it means

[Bar BS3]

1 hour ago, Greedo said:

Go watch cricket or rugby instead then softlad

"softlad" because the actions of some mindless idiots made him and his young son feel uncomfortable..? 

I'd say it wasn't him being soft, but those who were making other fellow supporters feel that way, that would be better of going to do something else. 

 

Don't get me wrong - I'm. All for the banter and a bit of piss taking is all well & good - but if these idiot think it's a good idea to take to the levels that leaves a child in the home end in tears & someone feeling that they need to move from their place in the ground, plus making others in & around tour own support feel uncomfortable, then it's most certainly them with the problem & not those that are forced to endure their witless, brain dead bullying of someone who was just there for a day out (by the sounds of it, probably with their kid) 

It's the sort of thing that we'd be ridiculing Rovers fans about, if it were to happen at one of their games. 

[Tinmans Love Child]

9 hours ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Doesn’t annoy me in one little bit but it seems your rant is that you took your kid and it upset you,quite what the weather has anything to do with it I’m not sure as for cricket you mean the sport where they are fighting in the stands all the time(there is a thread if you look)and let’s not get started on the myth of no trouble at rugby games,as for your son be a proper parent and tell him what he heard was wrong,not rocket science 

Wow

[Tinmans Love Child]

5 hours ago, Greedo said:

Go watch cricket or rugby instead then softlad

Such a poor response to a fellow fan, embarrassing 

[Mad Cyril]

What I want to know is where were our fizzy drink snipers during this battle?

[Son of Fred]

9 hours ago, bcfc01 said:

Because they have the collective mentality of a 12 year old.

 

As old as that??

[SecretSam]

13 hours ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Doesn’t annoy me in one little bit but it seems your rant is that you took your kid and it upset you,quite what the weather has anything to do with it I’m not sure as for cricket you mean the sport where they are fighting in the stands all the time(there is a thread if you look)and let’s not get started on the myth of no trouble at rugby games,as for your son be a proper parent and tell him what he heard was wrong,not rocket science 

Not annoyed?

 

13 hours ago, harrys said:

I’m afraid it’s a very common thing at most matches, you either accept it and take it in your stride or not

Like racism and fighting used to be, so we should have accepted that as well?

[SecretSam]

9 hours ago, Greedo said:

Go watch cricket or rugby instead then softlad

ooh, you're hard

[cheddarwedlocker]

14 hours ago, Jimbo76 said:

Ok, so this post is going to annoy some.

First off, I'm not naive about the behaviour of football fans. Before moving away from Bristol, throughout the 90s, I had a season ticket in the upper part of Dolman block C so was fairly close to the 'excitable' fans and have heard, joined in with and laughed frequently at the songs and general banter that is standard across football.

But yesterday was, for me, a different experience. Now my views will be affected by the fact that I was taking my 7 year old to his first ever football match and I wanted it to be a success.

It wasn't (ok the football didn't help but that's not the issue). I had already warned him that he would hear lots of swearing and I expected to hear all forms and lots of it. Again, not the issue.

For me, the issue is the anger and vitriol that accompanied it and the apparent obsession with paedophillia. This was a pre season friendly in sunny weather at another West country club. Perfect opportunity for singing, banter and classic terrace humour.

Why then did I ( and more importantly my 7 year old) have to listen to at least 25 minutes of foul abuse, singling out a Plymouth fan as a ****ing n*nce, a ****ing p*edo and various other forms of the same abuse. All delivered, as I say, with what seemed like genuine anger. Why?

Even when the target had to relocate because of the abuse and there was a kid left there, apparently crying (according to the bloke next to me), it prompted songs of 'where's your daddy gone?', 'we want our paedo back' etc...

My lad didn't know where to look and when I asked if he was alright he said he was a bit scared. I asked why and he said because of 'all the angry men'.

When did paedophillia become funny?

He heard the terms so many times yesterday that all he wanted to know afterwards was what a 'paedo' and a 'n*nce' were. I dread to think what he'll be saying in the playground tomorrow.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

I know some will read this and think I'm being over sensitive, and there may be some truth in that, because I was so keen for my lad to enjoy the day (and he didn't) but I really think there is a question of appropriate behaviour to be asked.

Completely understandable. In a preseason friendly, whats the need?

 

[cheddarwedlocker]

10 hours ago, Jimbo76 said:

I can take him to see City at Ashton Gate and sit in the Lansdown Stand and have a great day - and that's what we will do.

Away games with a little one probably not a good idea. But seeing as I live in Devon, it seemed a good idea.

100%. At AG, if im honest its not the most hostile experience compared to other stadiums, and really quite enjoyable at the top of the lansdown when your just watching the football. 

Maybe avoid away games for a few years, you get the ‘ultras’ (as cringe as it sounds’ who travel the miles to give some to a innocent man, because they feel like they are on top of the world. Just is what it is unfortunately mate.

[daored]

13 hours ago, Stortz said:

I understand how frustrating your day must have been, as a parent who has taken my daughter then my son with various levels of success in various situations.

Unfortunately, and I say this with no hint of malice, the behaviour of others is seen as far more unacceptable when you're stressing about what your kid is hearing. It's not going to change because you don't want to hear it.

My kids always knew that a condition of going to football is that what you hear there, stays there. I hope your next attempt works out better for you!

It’s good advice , my old man used to say to me I’d hear bad language at the football but under no circumstances was I to repeat it and if I did he wouldn’t  take me. I swore at home a lot during the Pulis tenure 

[exAtyeoMax]

I don’t mind swearing and banter but I really don’t want to join in with any chant about Jimmy Saville, or anything referencing pedophiles or nonces. It just makes me feel sick thinking about them. 

 

[richwwtk]

Unfortunately singling someone out and calling them a paedo as part of a football chant is par for the course these days, it's certainly not clever and not routine 'banter', especially when the guy on the receiving end is sat with his kids. I'm sure I heard it coming out of S82 (the area, not the particular group) in a match towards the end of last season, maybe even aimed at a City fan?

99.9% of people going to football know exactly what to expect (including the OP I'm sure, he isn't going to be that thin skinned), but the paedo thing appears new and particularly unpleasant. Singing about violence etc has been normal for years and everyone knows it doesn't lead to anything worse, it's just expected.

The biggest trouble is people are always going to look for ways to upset others, and this is just the latest, following a long line of racist and homophobic chanting which has now mercifully been more or less eradicated. Hopefully 'paedo' chanting will go the same way.

Edited July 18, 2022 by richwwtk

[Redandproud]

13 hours ago, Alan Dicks said:

They want to kick racism out the game, why not this too?

The players are already going to the knee,(which has been going on too long for now),because of BLM,what else do you expect to happen,

[Super]

13 hours ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Are you suggesting they don’t know what it is,they may be dim but let’s not underestimate them

They are braindead.

[A Horse With No Name]

46 minutes ago, daored said:

It’s good advice , my old man used to say to me I’d hear bad language at the football but under no circumstances was I to repeat it and if I did he wouldn’t  take me. I swore at home a lot during the Pulis tenure 

My dad used to cough loudly at certain points in songs , especially the Gerry Gow, and Over There songs.

[Redandproud]

13 hours ago, Alan Dicks said:

They want to kick racism out the game, why not this too?

The players are already going to the knee,(which has been going on too long for now),because of BLM,what else do you expect to happen,

[spudski]

15 hours ago, Jimbo76 said:

Ok, so this post is going to annoy some.

First off, I'm not naive about the behaviour of football fans. Before moving away from Bristol, throughout the 90s, I had a season ticket in the upper part of Dolman block C so was fairly close to the 'excitable' fans and have heard, joined in with and laughed frequently at the songs and general banter that is standard across football.

But yesterday was, for me, a different experience. Now my views will be affected by the fact that I was taking my 7 year old to his first ever football match and I wanted it to be a success.

It wasn't (ok the football didn't help but that's not the issue). I had already warned him that he would hear lots of swearing and I expected to hear all forms and lots of it. Again, not the issue.

For me, the issue is the anger and vitriol that accompanied it and the apparent obsession with paedophillia. This was a pre season friendly in sunny weather at another West country club. Perfect opportunity for singing, banter and classic terrace humour.

Why then did I ( and more importantly my 7 year old) have to listen to at least 25 minutes of foul abuse, singling out a Plymouth fan as a ****ing n*nce, a ****ing p*edo and various other forms of the same abuse. All delivered, as I say, with what seemed like genuine anger. Why?

Even when the target had to relocate because of the abuse and there was a kid left there, apparently crying (according to the bloke next to me), it prompted songs of 'where's your daddy gone?', 'we want our paedo back' etc...

My lad didn't know where to look and when I asked if he was alright he said he was a bit scared. I asked why and he said because of 'all the angry men'.

When did paedophillia become funny?

He heard the terms so many times yesterday that all he wanted to know afterwards was what a 'paedo' and a 'n*nce' were. I dread to think what he'll be saying in the playground tomorrow.

Why can you go to the cricket or the rugby and still have great crowd interaction without all the extreme abuse. 

I know some will read this and think I'm being over sensitive, and there may be some truth in that, because I was so keen for my lad to enjoy the day (and he didn't) but I really think there is a question of appropriate behaviour to be asked.

I think you'll find you'll get this extreme and anti social behaviour in all walks of life, especially when you get extremely passionate people together in a group. Be it football, Religious extremists or Political extremists.

You've only got to read some of the studies carried out, about why anti social behaviour happens at football to underline what many already understood.

The self awareness of an individual goes out of the window, when in a group. They feel they can do anything, say anything. Revert to pack mentality.

Acting hard, being as offensive as possible together or in front of others, for some, fills voids in their everyday normal life. 

I just feel sorry for them. To act like it, often means they are compensating for problems they have in their life. A need, a want, something missing etc, etc, etc. They need that ' wanted togetherness' feeling. A misguided ' pride and fullfillment'. 

It's mainly done as a group.

You very rarely see an individual, on his own, with no support or back up behaving anti socially....unless they've got serious social issues.

Sadly football attracts this certain mentality. And has done throughout history. You've only got to look at reports of when we were playing at ST John's lane...fights and anti social behaviour happening even back then and before.

It was often seen as a ' working class' problem...but you've only got to look at Parliament to see that's not true anymore.

As I said in another thread...anti social behaviour is on the rise through all generations and all classes. 

It's hard to avoid it these days.

[Agard Days Night]

@joe jordans teeth you’re coming off really well in this thread fella  

[richwwtk]

11 minutes ago, Agard Days Night said:

@joe jordans teeth you’re coming off really well in this thread fella  

It's happened again! I am soooo bad at reading your sarcasm levels :laugh:

[Nogbad the Bad]

I don't like the chant but I've been at many away matches when an individual home fan has constantly tried to wind City fans up - and been allowed to by the stewards - in which case they can't complain about a response, which they often revel in.

It's not clear if that was the case at Plymouth.

If it's about the choice of words, and the need to explain them to children, what about 'the w*anker, w*nker, w*anker' chants when an opposition player takes a corner?

What is a w*nker Dad?

What is a 'shithead' Dad, and if Tinman sees a Rovers fan would he really kick him in the head'?

Is the opposition goalkeeper really a 'fat bastard' like those angry men are shouting?

What is a bastard Dad?

Etc.

Football is a uniquely tribal, passionate sport with a unique atmosphere with sometimes pseudo aggressive chants - it's not always going to be a family fun day out.

When you take your child to their first match make sure they are ready - they need to have been told in advance that it will be a completely new and different experience.

There are only 2 likely outcomes - they'll either love the passion around them and the sometimes edgy atmosphere, or they won't.

Very rarely anything in between in my experience.

 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2022 by Nogbad the Bad

[Super]

14 minutes ago, Nogbad the Bad said:

I don't like the chant but I've been at many away matches when an individual home fan has constantly tried to wind City fans up - and been allowed to by the stewards - in which case they can't complain about a response, which they often revel in.

It's not clear if that was the case at Plymouth.

If it's about the choice of words, and the need to explain them to children, what about 'the w*anker, w*nker, w*anker' chants when an opposition player takes a corner?

What is a w*nker Dad?

What is a 'shithead' Dad, and if Tinman sees a Rovers fan would he really kick him in the head'?

Is the opposition goalkeeper really a 'fat bastard' like those angry men are shouting?

What is a bastard Dad?

Etc.

Football is a uniquely tribal, passionate sport with a unique atmosphere with sometimes pseudo aggressive chants - it's not always going to be a family fun day out.

When you take your child to their first match make sure they are ready - they need to have been told in advance that it will be a completely new and different experience.

There are only 2 likely outcomes - they'll either love the passion around them and the sometimes edgy atmosphere, or they won't.

Very rarely anything in between in my experience.

 

 

 

This was a girl probably around 8 years old with her family. It was moronic behaviour. Why can't these idiots find something else to do on Saturday's.

[downendcity]

15 hours ago, Northern Red said:

I bet if you asked the people singing why they were doing it, they wouldn't be able to tell you.

20 years ago vigilantes attacked the house of a paediatric doctor , forcing her from her home, because they didn't know/understand the difference between a paediatrician and a paedophile.

Those chanting are probably of similar ilk.

[BCFC1512]

Ok so I was there saturday with my two lads 11 and 9. Was also my 9 year olds first away. The 11 year old has been going a few seasons now. Thankfully I got no questions from the 9 year old and just a few giggles from my older lad.  Whilst I pretty much fully agree with the OP my “rules” to my lads are “you’ll hear a lot of things at football that you wouldn’t of heard before, theses are not to be repeated” however I have said to them if you hear anything that you want to ask me about I’d more than happy to explain why it’s bad to use such words. 

Edited July 18, 2022 by Taunton_BCFC

[arrytheb]

Is the wider point though not just about the sons and daughters who go along as City fans and what their parents are happy to tolerate, and not even about verbally abusing a grown adult (and people can have their own thoughts on that) but directing abuse at a young kid and calling her dad a peado?! I mean, that's pretty moronic isn't it?? 

Edited July 18, 2022 by arrytheb
Spelling

[maxjak]

16 hours ago, joe jordans teeth said:

Kick what out 

If I might hazard a guess.........Pheckin morons?

[maxjak]

12 hours ago, Greedo said:

Go watch cricket or rugby instead then softlad

Rather than an example of a soft brain?

Edited July 18, 2022 by maxjak

[stortfordred]

Having watched City home and away for fifty years, one of the worst away experiences I had was at a pre-season friendly in Portugal in the 2000s. I was genuinely ashamed to have an association with my team that day. Debate at the time followed a similar course to this one: some people decried the behaviour and there were the usual apologists. whether those who don’t condone the behaviour are the ones who indulge in it, we will never know. Unless we all stand up against the truly unacceptable behaviour (and there is general agreement as to where the boundaries lie) and this is backed up by arrests or banning orders, then this will carry on. 
What I do know is that failure to sort it out will put people off from following their team in person at certain games whether they are told to foxtrot Oscar and watch the rugby or not. 

[MarcusX]

I don't agree with it, but I could just about understand a level of intense passion that's spilled over in a big game, or a derby, but why in a friendly like this?

What was even the context behind this? Just a bloke with his daughter or was he giving some abuse? Again not justifying it, I just can't understand what makes people act this way (other than alchohol and other substances!)

Also can't understand why for many the solution seems to be "go watch a different sport" or just acceptance that it happens. There's banter and then there's this, which is far beyond.

We saw weird behaviour like this in the summer when grown men kept sharing memes of the young german girl crying, absolute oddballs.

 

[TV Tom]

4 hours ago, SecretSam said:

Not annoyed?

 

Like racism and fighting used to be, so we should have accepted that as well?

As I said you either accept it or not, did any one of the 650 City fans say anything to these people on Saturday or did they just accept it?

[Swede]

If I was taking my 7 year old to a first football match then it would be a home match as you have a choice where you can sit. So that could be the family section in the upper Lansdown and more than probably not in the corner of the South Stand. At an away match you're in one section so not a lot of choice.

When I did take my Son to his first away match I made a point to clearly warn him that there he will hear inappropriate language and that only happened when I thought he was old enough to not let it affect him.

I would also take the opposition into account so taking him to a Cheltenham or Yeovil is less of a concern than say somewhere like Plymouth where there is a bit of a rivalry.

It's not right and I don't condone it as there are idiots everywhere.

For what it's worth my Son's first away match was Reading at the Majdeski as I considered that to be a "safe" venue.

[Davefevs]

5 minutes ago, Swede said:

For what it's worth my Son's first away match was Reading at the Majdeski as I considered that to be a "safe" venue.

Funny isn’t it…that was the ground where Joe felt his most unsafe.  A bunch of nobhead City fans, piss-poor stewarding meant Joe said he’d never go to that one again.

[joe jordans teeth]

5 hours ago, Agard Days Night said:

@joe jordans teeth you’re coming off really well in this thread fella  

I’ve got hard skin and can take it,unlike some who get rattled at the slightest thing