Flags

[LA1972]

That's what I've never quite understood. When I first started going as a kid, I was excited by the fact that people swore, the way it felt a bit edgy, the way people got so angry with the referee and the way the crowd went mental when we scored. If I had started going as a kid today, I don't think I would have found it as exciting.

I really don't see how fluffy mascots and goal music etc make much difference to whether a kid supports the club or not. And when you go as a kid you are taken by your parents anyway, it's when you get old enough to start going by yourself which is the most important time (from the clubs point of view) for you to get hooked, as it's then that you become a lifelong fan.

Spot on Commander - was taken to The Goldstone with my 2 brothers by my dad and grandad in 1980, and still remember the cigar smoke and all the men getting a bit sweary, oh yeah and a great game of football and atmosphere.....was that NOT a family atmosphere? - because I was hooked as an 8 year old and the action man was binned off and the blue and white scarf worn with pride (till about 1987 then that got binned off for a ski hat)

 

[Storer 68]

didn't see any flags on the pitch , did i miss something, when are they going to hand out the white one's

really??

I saw TWO.

and they looked like this..............................

 

[Storer 68]

You're missing the point a bit there. Nu-football in general frowns on fans creating their own atmosphere, standing up, singing and bantering with away fans. Having some fat Spurs prick pitchside on the P.A. shouting "Let's make some noise for the Albion!!!" etc, etc, before the game - f*** you fatty - we can make our own noise. The little plastic flags/advertising space is just another sop to the corporate/Americanization of the traditional game.

It's "sit down, shut up, and we'll decide how you enjoy the game that you've forked out the readies for". I grew up with a game where supporters were a big part of every game, noise, drama, and yes even menace, the crowd was as big a thrill as the match itself - that was what attracted me to the game - being a supporter, getting to shout and let off steam in a swaying heaving mass of other working people, not being treated like a consumer or a customer in a f***ing cinema.

Football is unlike any other sport, the fans being part of the whole package. I spent half the West Ham match ducking my head around hi-viz stewards bombing up and down the stairs - I sit on the end of a row - acting as if they were marshalling the Great Retreat from Mons, not servicing a crowd at a f***ing football match in Sussex. The slightest dissent is met with a warning, then frantic radio messages between the steward and his Obergruppenfuhrer "Stand Manager" (what the f*** is that all about?). I actually listened to them direct the CCTV Generalissimo to the offending 'enemy subversive' area of the stand, where some bloke had just stood up and gave two fingers at the West Ham crowd after they scored, shouting a few lines of industrial language as well no doubt.

I realise the game has changed, and the Albion are in a better position in the big shiny new place, but there are already signs of too much commercialisation - Reynolds the MC and the attempt to show lyrics (f***ing ada!) to our songs on the big screens.

It's almost like social engineering, I bet they sit on commitees at club level (f***ing bet your boots they do at FA level), deciding how to further 'control' a crowd of people who only want to go along with friends and family and watch a good display of the game they love, and have a bit of banter with the other lot up the far end. And that's the rub, we'll take the nonsense because WE DO love the game - the 22 men kicking the leather around - where else would or could you treat paying customers the way football does, and they still come back for more?

Sit down and SHUT UP.
Do you not love looking at this..........................

 

[c0lz]

Just cant believe this club nearly went of business in the Goldstone years , it is really embarrassing to hear what today's fans are moaning about these days.

 

[Storer 68]

The little plastic flags/advertising space is just another sop to the corporate/Americanization of the traditional game.

Oh, grow up

When you saw this, was there not just a teaar in the eye and a lump in your throat.............................................................?

 

[Hotchilidog]

Oh, grow up

When you saw this, was there not just a teaar in the eye and a lump in your throat.............................................................?

We are going to have do something really special this season to top that opening game against donny, if only we could be bothered to do that every game. That was utterly brilliant.

 

[xenophon]

Oh, grow up

When you saw this, was there not just a teaar in the eye and a lump in your throat.............................................................?

No, I don't fap one out when the X factor is on either - it was a few flags on opening day, I was there for the football, that's spectacle enough for me, I didn't need all the shouty "make some noise!!" shite to make me feel it was a special occasion, I tend to pick up things like that without being spoon-fed 'atmosphere' by a Spurs fan with a loud voice. It was a time of extreme happiness, but if you wanted a little quiet reflection of the struggle to end up at that point, then "Let's hear it for the Albion!!!" and ultra-loud pop songs isn't compatible. I felt like I was at a Radio One Roadshow with JLS coming onstage, it's f***ing shit, get rid of it.

I go to Falmer not to see the cheerleaders, Gully the f***ing mascot, flag-waving or to listen to Richard f***ing Reynolds screaming like a hormonal schoolgirl on an overloud PA system. I haven't a problem with the flags on the odd occasion - days like Doncaster, or Wembley etc, but I'm not a f***ing billboard, so I won't wave a little commercial flag like a ponce, I'm a bit old for that anyway. Nor do I like listening to Reynolds spoil my pre-match experience with his shouty bullshit.

The difference from the Amex flag thing and the continental Ultra flag thing couldn't be more pronounced. A few Fatboy Slim flags, supplied by the club to advertise a lucrative upcoming gig, waggled by Brighton fans for five minutes before kick-off is nothing like the weeks spent planning and preparing, the sometimes social/political messages on the banners, the choreography, the flares - it's 100% autonomous from the club and belongs to the fans, and it's awesome, heartfelt and authentic. If you think BHAFC put the Fatboy flags there to "create an atmosphere" then you're wrong. It was a gimmicky piece of marketing, another sign of the general malaise of football.

If Albion fans tried to create a real atmosphere like they do at Roma, for example, the banning orders for disrupting the status quo - pay up, sit down and shut the f*** up - would be distributed like confetti.

 

[portlock seagull]

If Albion fans tried to create a real atmosphere like they do at Roma, for example, the banning orders for disrupting the status quo - pay up, sit down and shut the f*** up - would be distributed like confetti.

sadly i think you may be right!

 

[Randsta]

No, I don't fap one out when the X factor is on either - it was a few flags on opening day, I was there for the football, that's spectacle enough for me, I didn't need all the shouty "make some noise!!" shite to make me feel it was a special occasion, I tend to pick up things like that without being spoon-fed 'atmosphere' by a Spurs fan with a loud voice. It was a time of extreme happiness, but if you wanted a little quiet reflection of the struggle to end up at that point, then "Let's hear it for the Albion!!!" and ultra-loud pop songs isn't compatible. I felt like I was at a Radio One Roadshow with JLS coming onstage, it's f***ing shit, get rid of it.

I go to Falmer not to see the cheerleaders, Gully the f***ing mascot, flag-waving or to listen to Richard f***ing Reynolds screaming like a hormonal schoolgirl on an overloud PA system. I haven't a problem with the flags on the odd occasion - days like Doncaster, or Wembley etc, but I'm not a f***ing billboard, so I won't wave a little commercial flag like a ponce, I'm a bit old for that anyway. Nor do I like listening to Reynolds spoil my pre-match experience with his shouty bullshit.

The difference from the Amex flag thing and the continental Ultra flag thing couldn't be more pronounced. A few Fatboy Slim flags, supplied by the club to advertise a lucrative upcoming gig, waggled by Brighton fans for five minutes before kick-off is nothing like the weeks spent planning and preparing, the sometimes social/political messages on the banners, the choreography, the flares - it's 100% autonomous from the club and belongs to the fans, and it's awesome, heartfelt and authentic. If you think BHAFC put the Fatboy flags there to "create an atmosphere" then you're wrong. It was a gimmicky piece of marketing, another sign of the general malaise of football.

If Albion fans tried to create a real atmosphere like they do at Roma, for example, the banning orders for disrupting the status quo - pay up, sit down and shut the f*** up - would be distributed like confetti.

If you don't like it go and watch your local non-league side - No comfy seats, big screens, music, cheerleaders, good pies and ale etc etc.... That's the way it's gone, this is what people WANT!! I don't see what your point is ....It's not as good as the "good old days" are you one of these people who also say Music these days is just noise... I think its called living in the past!

 

[Storer 68]

ah yes roma fans........................... not afriad to get their ground closed

Keir Radnedge
The Guardian, Wednesday 1 February 2006 Article history

Roma fans' fascist tendencies have earned the club a one-match home game ban in Italy's Serie A for the second time in two years.

Last Sunday's 3-0 win over Livorno was marred by supporters displaying banners bearing neo-Nazi and anti-semitic slogans. Livorno are a particular target for fans of both Roma and their stadium-sharing neighbours Lazio because of the visitors' perceived left-wing political affiliations.

The league's disciplinary committee ordered Roma, who have won their last eight games, to play their match against Cagliari on February 8 at a neutral venue and behind closed doors.

Last season Roma had to play their last two Champions League group stage matches behind closed doors

 

[xenophon]

Wow, a story from 2006 about Roma getting banned for one game. You've convinced me, anyone got a link to eBay where I can buy a Fatboy Flag?

 

[Frank Gallagher]

Wow, a story from 2006 about Roma getting banned for one game. You've convinced me, anyone got a link to eBay where I can buy a Fatboy Flag?

I have got a big foam hand, be all the rage next season I am told.

 

[Daffy Duck]

Is there anything you do like?

 

[Upper Library]

I cannot believe this is still being discussed!!! I do get the worry about corporate faceless sport but..........

we sell locally brewed real ale and pies - the club has one of the best records for community work in europe.

Wave a few flags to adertise a gig by FBS what is the problem??- the man is a supporter and during the last decade has been even more than that. Get over it this is boring.................................................

 

[Storer 68]

and he's actually put serious money into the club........................

unlike most of us

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

No, I don't fap one out when the X factor is on either - it was a few flags on opening day, I was there for the football, that's spectacle enough for me, I didn't need all the shouty "make some noise!!" shite to make me feel it was a special occasion, I tend to pick up things like that without being spoon-fed 'atmosphere' by a Spurs fan with a loud voice. It was a time of extreme happiness, but if you wanted a little quiet reflection of the struggle to end up at that point, then "Let's hear it for the Albion!!!" and ultra-loud pop songs isn't compatible. I felt like I was at a Radio One Roadshow with JLS coming onstage, it's f***ing shit, get rid of it.

I go to Falmer not to see the cheerleaders, Gully the f***ing mascot, flag-waving or to listen to Richard f***ing Reynolds screaming like a hormonal schoolgirl on an overloud PA system. I haven't a problem with the flags on the odd occasion - days like Doncaster, or Wembley etc, but I'm not a f***ing billboard, so I won't wave a little commercial flag like a ponce, I'm a bit old for that anyway. Nor do I like listening to Reynolds spoil my pre-match experience with his shouty bullshit.

The difference from the Amex flag thing and the continental Ultra flag thing couldn't be more pronounced. A few Fatboy Slim flags, supplied by the club to advertise a lucrative upcoming gig, waggled by Brighton fans for five minutes before kick-off is nothing like the weeks spent planning and preparing, the sometimes social/political messages on the banners, the choreography, the flares - it's 100% autonomous from the club and belongs to the fans, and it's awesome, heartfelt and authentic. If you think BHAFC put the Fatboy flags there to "create an atmosphere" then you're wrong. It was a gimmicky piece of marketing, another sign of the general malaise of football.

If Albion fans tried to create a real atmosphere like they do at Roma, for example, the banning orders for disrupting the status quo - pay up, sit down and shut the f*** up - would be distributed like confetti.

top post , nice one!!

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

Das, can you answer my earlier question please?

i have, didn't you see it ?

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

I have got a big foam hand, be all the rage next season I am told.

depends what you're going to do with it Frank

 

[Surrey_Albion]

You're missing the point a bit there. Nu-football in general frowns on fans creating their own atmosphere, standing up, singing and bantering with away fans. Having some fat Spurs prick pitchside on the P.A. shouting "Let's make some noise for the Albion!!!" etc, etc, before the game - f*** you fatty - we can make our own noise. The little plastic flags/advertising space is just another sop to the corporate/Americanization of the traditional game.

It's "sit down, shut up, and we'll decide how you enjoy the game that you've forked out the readies for". I grew up with a game where supporters were a big part of every game, noise, drama, and yes even menace, the crowd was as big a thrill as the match itself - that was what attracted me to the game - being a supporter, getting to shout and let off steam in a swaying heaving mass of other working people, not being treated like a consumer or a customer in a f***ing cinema.

Football is unlike any other sport, the fans being part of the whole package. I spent half the West Ham match ducking my head around hi-viz stewards bombing up and down the stairs - I sit on the end of a row - acting as if they were marshalling the Great Retreat from Mons, not servicing a crowd at a f***ing football match in Sussex. The slightest dissent is met with a warning, then frantic radio messages between the steward and his Obergruppenfuhrer "Stand Manager" (what the f*** is that all about?). I actually listened to them direct the CCTV Generalissimo to the offending 'enemy subversive' area of the stand, where some bloke had just stood up and gave two fingers at the West Ham crowd after they scored, shouting a few lines of industrial language as well no doubt.

I realise the game has changed, and the Albion are in a better position in the big shiny new place, but there are already signs of too much commercialisation - Reynolds the MC and the attempt to show lyrics (f***ing ada!) to our songs on the big screens.

It's almost like social engineering, I bet they sit on commitees at club level (f***ing bet your boots they do at FA level), deciding how to further 'control' a crowd of people who only want to go along with friends and family and watch a good display of the game they love, and have a bit of banter with the other lot up the far end. And that's the rub, we'll take the nonsense because WE DO love the game - the 22 men kicking the leather around - where else would or could you treat paying customers the way football does, and they still come back for more?

Fair play good post, I agree the whole telling us what to sing, words on the tv ,fatty on the touchline etc is very tacky and for the plastics, but after the support FBS has given us we should be okay to help promote him, also although I agree with most of what you have said I do actualy like the flag waving and think it looks very good

 

[Dr. Notthenineo'clocknews]

No, I don't fap one out when the X factor is on either - it was a few flags on opening day, I was there for the football, that's spectacle enough for me, I didn't need all the shouty "make some noise!!" shite to make me feel it was a special occasion, I tend to pick up things like that without being spoon-fed 'atmosphere' by a Spurs fan with a loud voice. It was a time of extreme happiness, but if you wanted a little quiet reflection of the struggle to end up at that point, then "Let's hear it for the Albion!!!" and ultra-loud pop songs isn't compatible. I felt like I was at a Radio One Roadshow with JLS coming onstage, it's f***ing shit, get rid of it.

I go to Falmer not to see the cheerleaders, Gully the f***ing mascot, flag-waving or to listen to Richard f***ing Reynolds screaming like a hormonal schoolgirl on an overloud PA system. I haven't a problem with the flags on the odd occasion - days like Doncaster, or Wembley etc, but I'm not a f***ing billboard, so I won't wave a little commercial flag like a ponce, I'm a bit old for that anyway. Nor do I like listening to Reynolds spoil my pre-match experience with his shouty bullshit.

The difference from the Amex flag thing and the continental Ultra flag thing couldn't be more pronounced. A few Fatboy Slim flags, supplied by the club to advertise a lucrative upcoming gig, waggled by Brighton fans for five minutes before kick-off is nothing like the weeks spent planning and preparing, the sometimes social/political messages on the banners, the choreography, the flares - it's 100% autonomous from the club and belongs to the fans, and it's awesome, heartfelt and authentic. If you think BHAFC put the Fatboy flags there to "create an atmosphere" then you're wrong. It was a gimmicky piece of marketing, another sign of the general malaise of football.

If Albion fans tried to create a real atmosphere like they do at Roma, for example, the banning orders for disrupting the status quo - pay up, sit down and shut the f*** up - would be distributed like confetti.

I agree with a lot of this (although I've got nothing against the flags in any big way) but I'm curious as to you not being "a f***ing billboard" while making several references to 'The Am*x'.....just sayin, like