Nothing personal but far too many of my family and friends have been killed, had limbs amputated, stents, heart attacks, strokes and various cancers from this vile habit. If it were practicable I would ban it altogether. Obviously it's not for many reasons. It's now 2015. We know better, should strive to do better not turn the clock back.
Think I may give up watching football and go in for cage-fighting. At least I'll get the audience I expect that way. Sad I can't go and sit in the UR without insults, often from people who rarely go.
Fez, I am very sorry for your friends and family. However, my smoking or not smoking at half time (in some corner of the ground) does not affect you in any way. They are my lungs to do what I want with (and I am far from an excessive smoker) - would you ban alcohol as well, because just as many people die from the long term effects of that. Or maybe ban car driving because of the health and safety risks involved ?
I couldn't agree more, Fez. I'm an ex-60 a day Gauldo smoker. I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't give a monkey's for non-smokers when I smoked. One phenomenon that was odd, but shared by many smoking pals, was that I could last quite a while without thinking I wanted a *** if I knew I couldn't have one. eg on the tube. As an ex-smoker I can smell it a mile off and I hate it. I think the comparison of it with other unhealthy drug use is helpful. Should the club provide a space for people to cook up and inject themselves? In your own home it's your choice, I'd rather you didn't do it there either - for your own sake. But I don't like so much as walking behind a smoker in the street. I'll cross over, slow down or overtake - I can't breathe in any more of that crap.
its all about freedom and drawing the line and the club sets the rules and if we dont like it we can complain if someone wants to go off and do there own thing then im proud the my club/country let them do it unlike a lot of other countrys .i hate all police states . like at charlton you can drink your beer this side of the red line but not the other thats a joke
When I was a young man I loved being in the midst of the Vic terrace, smoke and all. When my to be wife started to come along we would go onto the Rookery terrace as at 5'.1" she could see the game and there were not that many people down there. When we finally made the old first division I took her onto the Vic terrace for a game against West Ham. Afterwards she said how much she had enjoyed the banter, but had not seen anything of the game. It was good natured banter, without much swearing. On the odd occasions we get there these days I get a seat in the GT stand so that she can see, but usually down the Rookery end. To say that there is no passion in the GT stand is wrong. I had some guy behind me earlier this season who started as the teams warmed up and didn't stop until I finally got out five minutes after the game finished. Maybe there is not much singing up there, but there is some very well informed opinion.
I don't see the need for such a debate, we now have parts of the ground that suit all tastes - if some dick writing in the WO feels so aggrieved, why does he not complain to a steward or move seats? People who sit in The Rookery should expect to have to stand a lot of the time and as the 1881 influence grows, so will those standing. I also expect a bit of swearing, but I do have a line and will tell someone to shut it if needed. After the game last week, so young bellend was walking up Occupation Road singing out some utter trash, which has best ignored, but when he used the C word, I had a word - Little Miss W_Y is used to swearing at football, but there are lines. We must not let a few people who which to experience a match in a different manner, stop the advances being made in the atmosphere generated from The Rookery.
when i took the 7 and 9 year old i told them about the swearing i was told they know the bad words and they also know not to use them in front of adults lol
I had the same conversation with an 8 and 11 year old last week! This thread is amazing as I cannot believe the passion it has provoked. When I first started going to away games in 1986 I was struck by the age divergence of those on the coaches and attitudes in the grounds. Some would jumo up and down all through the match whilst others preferred to go in the seats. They all loved their club and when I look around the Vic now not much has changed - thankfully. Theo and WY have it right in my opinion - do what you like but respect those around you. we all love our club and choose to express it in different ways - if I do not bounce up and down for 90 minutes please do not presume that I love this adorable institution any less than you do.
TBF The man did say he had complained and written to the club but not got a response (which suited him..) It does seem he is simply in the wrong stand - presume he had sat all for a long time? From what I see sitting in the SEJ its only people at the back or the 1881 that stand up anyway...
Door Mice quiet as a... if you want to start insulting me just say when and where and we can sort it face to face...
We sit in the Rookery because of the atmosphere. I moved my seat away from the 1881 as its not for me but as the season goes on they do a really good job so well done to them. I stand up as others do when we attack our end and thats how it should be. Last time I got a tap on the shoulder and told to sit back down was the Play Off Final!!! Not 606ers can imagine my response! WO letter matey would be better off in the Rous ......
Yes I apologise. Will agree to disagree with Theo and let it lie. When I do get the chance to be at the vic I'll continue to get into the Rookery and as close to the 1881 as possible. I have no problem with people staying seated in the majority of the ground but when it comes to areas where we know people want to stand and want more noise and atmosphere I do not think it fair that any of the silence seekers impose their way on those who wish to celebrate in a different way. The ground is big enough to accommodate all types of supporters and as I said has always had a family area for those who wish for a more reserved experience. Use of words like door mouse, paper and ear muffs should not incite hate in any normal person!!!!
I agree with all this. I'm in the Rookery and there's a decent balance between standing and sitting where I am. Suggest the complainer moves his seat...IF he's a STH. There's the odd bit of bad language, but mini Bloother knows the score.
There again today...forgot the ear muffs and the paper was already read. Nice to sit with folk who don't indulge in lazy stereotypes. We all stood up at least seven times, complained a bit early on and remarked on how quiet some bits of the ground were today. But then that's the Upper Rous for you...quite thoughtful folk who don't feel the need to go outside to settle arguments. Exactly the kind of attitude that, at 70, I hope I've managed to outgrow.
Glad you enjoyed the game from the upper GT.... Perhaps though one should learn to read context properly and note that not once has anybody referred to yourself or the old UR. My comments are directed directly at the intolerant types who believe they should be able to dictate how other fans behave even when it remains within reasonable. There are areas of the ground for all types of fans and anybody who wants to have a sitting experience with little noise has that option but shouldn't try and impose that on the Rookery. In my 50 years on the planet I've learnt tolerance and not to be judgmental, let's hope I don't regress in the next 20 years...
