Morning guys, I was wondering if anyone saw the Panorama programme on violent and racist fans in Poland/Ukraine. I wouldn't say it was an eye opener as I think a lot of people already know of what goes on at the hands of a minority, but some of the scenes were quite sickening. Not only that, BBC wanted to discuss this with Michele Platini who then refused an interview. Just to balance the argument, we should remember that this is a minority and they do not represent their countries. The programme is an equivalent to BBC showing the London riots to other countries just before the Olympics. Either way - do you feel that Ukraine/Poland should have been awarded the Euros?
I think its fairly classic insular unchecked behavior. Its uneducated boys playing big men with nobody teaching them any different. It was filthy rotten stuff, but guys lets be clear this is england in the 80s. its the pre multicultural era actions that many witnessed in england. we must see where these countries have come from not very long ago and see that they just don't have the set up to deal with it, however seeing what italy gets up to i do think there is a more deadly undertone to it. Our country stamped out the combat 18 and ultra nationalist types but they are rife in these places and in the end it needs to be stamped out again. I think poland and the ukraine are awarded the euros as someone has to host it and you know if they do host it and are embarrassed maybe once again the suffering of a few will make a difference into the future... its hardly nice to think people have to suffer it to educate people but it seems that's what has to happen in these countries.
I was telling my 16 year old daughter what the terraces used to be like over here 30 years ago (or so)......The actions are deplorable but we mustn't forget who gave hooliganism to the world!!! Sometimes I wonder why our media forget our own sordid history in this dept.
We certainly had a problem, but I don't think we invented it. I didn't see the programme so I can't make an informed comment on it. Did the problem seem worse there than anywhere else? As has been pointed out, the tournament has to be held somewhere. Perhaps the authorities there will address the problem because they are in the spotlight, which might help them clean it up generally.
The yob element that follow's England are 'always' looking for a fight,well they'll get one in a few weeks if they're up for it. But it'll be the yobs staying at home baking brownies in their boxers after last nights program and the decent fans paying for the yobs previous deeds.
Panaroma are reknowned for this sort of documentary, they did it before both the world cups in Germany and South Africa too. However, a whole stand dishing out racist remarks and abuse in cohesion is somewhat different. PS - anyone else think we should get the body paint out and send Joey Barton into the stands...?
Barton actually did a straight faced tweet condemning what he saw in the programme. I just read in awe at the hypocrisy.
