Homophobic Abuse Today.........

[Brovion]

I have a suspicion that some of the people saying that homophobic chanting is part of the game probably thought it ok to throw bananas at John Barnes 25 years ago.

Some maybe, but I'm confident the vast, overwhelming majority are like me and feel that there is a world of difference between racism and what is in effect only boorish behaviour. Mind you we won't really know until we get openly gay footballers. If an openly-gay Justin Fashanu was playing now and was receiving abuse from the terraces because of his sexuality, then yes, I hope the people responsible are punished to the full extent of the law and I would happily report them the same as I would a racist. But that's not the case is it? All that's happening is that there are, at worst, unoriginal, crude and tasteless chants being aimed at at group of people (Brighton fans) who are actually largely heterosexual.

In other words I wish people would stop lazily equating the two issues as if they were identical.

 

[wellquickwoody]

Unacceptable in a place of work perhaps, or in a shopping mall, walking down the high street, or on a beach. But at a football match? Seriously? The 'ONE' place where you can go and act like a bit of a buffoon, let your hair down a bit and just generally have a good time. If anyone gets offended about this then they must be pretty miserable in their own life. This is part of the whole culture of football. Neanderthal men having a laugh. Do you just want a stadium full of middle-class nicely behaved people who get offended by everything and anything?

At some point we might have to form a breakaway league for people who want to let their hair down, shout c**t as many times as they like, drink beer in the stands, shout as much abuse as they like. Then there can be a place for the people who want a middle class theatre atmos and a place for the drunken yob frivolous no holds barred sort of atmos. Job done.

Wow! Find myself agreeing with you.

Whatever next?

Sent from my wardrobe whilst watching Susannah Reid and Sian Williams enjoy a clam sandwich.

 

[MissT]

Unacceptable in a place of work perhaps, or in a shopping mall, walking down the high street, or on a beach. But at a football match? Seriously? The 'ONE' place where you can go and act like a bit of a buffoon, let your hair down a bit and just generally have a good time. If anyone gets offended about this then they must be pretty miserable in their own life. This is part of the whole culture of football. Neanderthal men having a laugh. Do you just want a stadium full of middle-class nicely behaved people who get offended by everything and anything?

At some point we might have to form a breakaway league for people who want to let their hair down, shout c**t as many times as they like, drink beer in the stands, shout as much abuse as they like. Then there can be a place for the people who want a middle class theatre atmos and a place for the drunken yob frivolous no holds barred sort of atmos. Job done.

Perhaps you are right and I am being over sensitive. There were young children around these exhibitionists but I suppose if their parents were concerned they would have said something or remind themselves to go to the family stand next time.
As for me, I've been following the Albion for more years than I care to confess and, although I still think it crosses the line, I also see no reason to let such behaviour keep me from supporting my team. Eyes locked onto the pitch next time.