Quote:
Originally Posted by freddyg12
I would hope we don't ever have the riots or near riots of 'football hooligans' that occur in Europe, or for that matter in S. America & Africa as well.
It's obvious that the author's assumption is that nfl games once were family friendly, whether from his personal experience or learning from others. I would agree w/him that the culture of sports has become way too uncivil. All the stories from Philly & West Va. U. may be exaggerated, but that doesn't mean people there are downright mean & sometimes criminal in their behavior.
Sad to say, but one of my best fan experiences was last month at Texas Stadium. I sat beside a couple cowpoke fans that were knowledgeable of the game, poked fun at some of the dallas halftime shows, & even wished me a safe trip home. Texas Stadium was dry until a few years ago, so the local culture may be less tolerant of public drunkeness. Also, I noticed that there was not one beer man in the upper level stands once the game began, whereas at fedex I was in the nose bleeds but could get a beer every 20 minutes if I needed one (which I did!).
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A friend of mine went to Rome last week and went to the Roma-Man U match. They Man U fans were in their own fenced off section. Were escorted out of the stadium by police. When my friend and his friend were about to cross some bridge (on foot) someone heard them speaking English and said, "You better not go over there. People are going to just assume you are Man U supporters." Three people were stabbed, one guy had his throat slice and my friend actually stepped over a stream of blood as they walked. This is obviously over the line, but yelling, ball busting, even cursing at opposing fans is not that big of a deal in my opinion. I go see the Rangers on the road 2-3 times a year. This year going to Tampa, Miami, and Montreal. I go see them in Philly every year at least once and this will be the first time in 7 years I am not going to Pittsburgh (schedule just didnt work out right). I wear my rangers stuff, get yelled out, but at no time have I ever felt threatened for my safety. I have seen the Giants play in Cleveland, Washington, and Philly, and the same thing. People say things, but again all in good fun and part of the experience of going on the road in my opinion.