tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594046848251712898.post2074903784889656465..comments2019-11-16T05:11:34.454+00:00Comments on @timdifford: Not The Result I Was Looking For..Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04098899594058962797noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594046848251712898.post-85981955693560395822012-01-03T15:08:14.566+00:002012-01-03T15:08:14.566+00:00Nigel - thanks for commenting here. It's inte...Nigel - thanks for commenting here. It's interesting to hear that you have had similar experiences and yes, it was the on/off nature of this aggressive behaviour which was the most surprising and perplexing. On leaving the ground I didn't see this aggressive tension convert into anything physical as opposing fans began to mingle, so it does seem to be a learned behaviour evident mainly during periods of play and predominantly driven by a number of travelling supporters.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04098899594058962797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594046848251712898.post-57896250396588177892012-01-03T14:48:26.332+00:002012-01-03T14:48:26.332+00:00Hi Tim, that's a sorry tale and all too famili...Hi Tim, that's a sorry tale and all too familiar. Last year I went along to Blackburn v Burnley and was seated near the away section. Like you the frothing aggression was astonishing (and I was glad that my son was feeling off colour that day so hadn't joined us). The most amazing thing was that at half time, both sets of supporters were transformed into normal people. No jeering or hand gestures at the fans who were only yards apart at the corner. Teams back on and everyone went back into character.<br />I can only assume that this is synthetic, learned behaviour and that common sense would largely prevail if the fans met outside.<br />I often tell the tale of going to Old Trafford v Auxerre, the very first match after the Heysel ban weas lifted. A French family behind us were subjected to a stream of abuse from fans all around them, despite stewards standing within earshot. The final act of the fan sitting next to me as he got up to leave 5 minutes before the whistle was to turn around and shout at the family "Who won the f***ing War then?"<br />'Plus ca change' I might have but didn't retort.Nigel Sarbuttshttp://www.brandalert.co.uknoreply@blogger.com