Gilliver's Travels
Peripatetic
I rather care for the idea that all these fearsome Albion hard-men can become - literally - embarrassed by applause at the Amex for opposition supporters. Do they suddenly go all red in the face, staring at their feet in case some Palace black-clad wannabe Danny Dyer YouTubes all that shameful evidence to the Holmesdale massive - and far beyond?
It's sad to be reminded once a fortnight that the very concept of sportsmanship, and appreciation of our part in a wider football community, has completely eluded Albion's neanderthal knuckle-draggers. (If you're Millwall, it's part of the job description. But Brighton?)
We're not exactly famous ourselves for travelling in huge numbers to games that extend much beyond the south-east of England. When I find myself in the away stand at Middlesbrough or Wigan, amongst just three or four hundred others, it occurs that those loyal supporters would be far more likely than most to appreciate the dedication of those who come down to the Amex for the reverse fixture.
For those who claim that applauding the away attendance in some way diminishes our own support, or even affects events on the pitch, a reality check is required. If it surprises the visiting fans, so much the better. It's what we do at the Amex, it's an overwhelmingly positive gesture and, despite a tiny minority's crimson-faced cringing, it's not going to change.
However, while happy to applaud the efforts of supporters of traditional clubs who routinely travel long distances, I find it impossible to extend that sentiment to those arriving in the white and black of the bogus club that is Milton Keynes Dons – and was glad to have the opportunity to give yesterday's game a swerve.
Footnote: I've heard it rumoured that some of our self-appointed stormtroopers don't actually go to games, instead confining all that cringing and raging to their sputum-spattered keyboards. But I'm sure that can't be true. Can it?
It's sad to be reminded once a fortnight that the very concept of sportsmanship, and appreciation of our part in a wider football community, has completely eluded Albion's neanderthal knuckle-draggers. (If you're Millwall, it's part of the job description. But Brighton?)
We're not exactly famous ourselves for travelling in huge numbers to games that extend much beyond the south-east of England. When I find myself in the away stand at Middlesbrough or Wigan, amongst just three or four hundred others, it occurs that those loyal supporters would be far more likely than most to appreciate the dedication of those who come down to the Amex for the reverse fixture.
For those who claim that applauding the away attendance in some way diminishes our own support, or even affects events on the pitch, a reality check is required. If it surprises the visiting fans, so much the better. It's what we do at the Amex, it's an overwhelmingly positive gesture and, despite a tiny minority's crimson-faced cringing, it's not going to change.
However, while happy to applaud the efforts of supporters of traditional clubs who routinely travel long distances, I find it impossible to extend that sentiment to those arriving in the white and black of the bogus club that is Milton Keynes Dons – and was glad to have the opportunity to give yesterday's game a swerve.
Footnote: I've heard it rumoured that some of our self-appointed stormtroopers don't actually go to games, instead confining all that cringing and raging to their sputum-spattered keyboards. But I'm sure that can't be true. Can it?
