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Post by swedishstokie3 on Feb 6, 2011 17:52:46 GMT
I am a Stoke City supporter living in Sweden.
2 weeks ago I was in London. Saw the Fulham – Stoke game with my brother, 2 daughters and daughter’s Swedish friend (who was watching a game for the first time in her life). We arrived rather late to the game and found our seats close to the pitch behind the goal.
Irrespective of the result/performance, I (along with others) personally experienced an awful and uncomfortable experience throughout the game. So-called Stoke supporters (all with London accents, but not bearing colours) decided to ruin many people’s day-out. They were several in numbers and all they did the whole game was insult, threaten and provoke innocent bystanders, whether it be Stoke supporters, Fulham supporters, neutral supporters or stewards.
They racially abused the stewards throughout the game as well as the Fulham players with a different colour of skin or of Irish descent. When my frightened/shocked daughters moved a few seats away, I joined them. The oldest of the “clan” (ringleader?) then turned to me and hurled abuse at me. All forms of normal conversation explaining our dislike to their threatening behaviour were impossible. We were then informed that as this man had only missed 7 Stoke matches in many years, this apparently gave him the right to do/say whatever he wanted.
Apparently, we didn’t sound like Stoke fans, so it was best I shut up or move far away (obviously not stated in just those words). Quite amazingly this man’s wife/partner was sitting next to him.
During the second half, they stood up blocking our view, often with their back to the pitch, pointing to Fulham supporters giving threatening gestures. If tourists were spotted, they would be also picked-on, claiming they had no right to be in a football ground, etc. etc.
I can continue and continue but I´m sure you get the picture. I am a huge Stoke fan and put a lot of time and effort running the Swedish website, but after the events we experienced on that Saturday I just feel like giving up.
I have never hated watching a football game so much, I longed for the end; in fact I can´t remember much about it as I was so upset/disappointed.
I don’t consider myself a prude or a snob. I can swear and show passion with the best of them. I really appreciate the British passion and humour at football matches, but the experiences I saw and heard on Saturday we ridiculous. I realise these events aren’t only an English or a Stoke problem.
There were many tourists in the stand and I just wonder what they thought; in fact 2 New Zealanders behind me whispered in my ear, “Is this the best of British mate?”
When we walked out, my oldest daughters said, “Because of them, I’m glad they lost”. I said I totally agree with you. But perhaps the saddest thing was that at the end of the game, the ringleader ran down to the edge of the pitch, whereupon Jermaine Pennant came up to him and gave him his shirt/bib. We were amazed; this was a man who had racially abused person´s of darker skins the whole game. Is Jermaine aware of what these people think about people of mixed race?
I spoke to my daughters and their friend (19, 19 and 21) at length after the game and they were amazed that such behaviour can be tolerated. These guys were not young; how do they bring-up their own offspring? If this behaviour is not tolerated in other forms of life, why should it be tolerated at football matches?
I read later on the night, quite rightly, how the British commentators were suspended after sexist remarks concerning a female linesman. Surely if this is highlighted for the better of the game so should the people who ruin other people’s enjoyment. It has to be remembered; the whole experience cost me and others a fair amount of money.
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Post by mistersausage on Feb 6, 2011 17:59:26 GMT
Sorry you were subjected to that cretin. People like that are always the same, surrounded by their mates, big fat mouths who would shut up if they were alone. He's just a yellow spined coward and his mates are no different.
Best thing you can do is try to forget it. Stoke were awful that day too so a bad day all round and best forgotten. Unforunately the UK is full of his type of scum.
As for him taking Pennants shirt, just goes to show he's also a spineless hypocrite. He'll probably flog it on ebay as he's more than likely on the dole.
Good luck following Stoke in the future. I wish I lived in Sweden. The UK is a binge drinking chav filled shithole and I loathe it.
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Post by PerCyfilth ....Captains Log on Feb 6, 2011 18:00:18 GMT
My guess is they were not Stoke fans at all just London louts troublemaking on the back of our team. Pennant would not know what went on before handing him his shirt and expect to see it on E Bay shortly. Try to put it behind you and dont be put off by mindless idiots.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2011 18:10:05 GMT
Sorry to hear that mate. Unfortunately we still have a few brain dead halfwits who think they are clever / funny / dead hard etc. I had two muppets who came and sat by me in the south stand yesterday. They spent 10 mins shouting at and gesturing to the away fans before going back to where they came from, clearly delighted with their behaviour. Very easy to do when theres twenty rows of empty seats and a line of stewards between them and a good kicking !
Sadly these morons roam around society in general and a few still linger at football matches. Just try to forget about it and look towards the next game. Dont give them the pleasure of ruining your day and never let them come between you and Stoke City as they are not a true representation of Stoke supporters, the vast majority of which will be more than glad to have you among them.
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Post by march4 on Feb 6, 2011 18:27:49 GMT
I think all true Stoke fans deplore this sort of behaviour and can't apologise enough.
There have been a number of threads this season after away games with the same theme.
It is an issue that we don't want to get any worse and yet we don't want the identity cards back. A bit of a dilemma really.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2011 18:35:59 GMT
 Really sorry you and your family were subjected to those idiots. Hope it didn't totally ruin your trip and that it doesn't stop you in the future. Best wishes |
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2011 20:49:44 GMT
Mouthy cockneys!! mmmmm i wonder who that bunch might be!! let me guess fake stone island jumpers 60 odd years old, trying be something they aint!!! seen it all before, very sad
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Post by disastermaster on Feb 6, 2011 20:52:07 GMT
Not sure where you were sitting swedish, but i was at that game sitting/standing by the steps to the Fulham fans/Neutral zone and saw or heard nothing of this.
It has to be said Fulham in a very very odd place to watch football, no banter at all and that is all part of the game!
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Post by bettsy on Feb 6, 2011 20:58:53 GMT
hopefully is was a one off mate, i know there's a lot of idiots at football but most of the time they can be avoided, however away games are terrible for the idiots turning up, at wolves the other week i tried go for a piss at half time but when i got down the steps about 20 teenagers who were absolutely smashed ( it was 1.45pm at the time ) were being complete knobheads, i couldn't get past them they were banging in me and anyone around them, falling about, i just shook
my head at one of the stewards and said " teenagers have had half a lager i see" and went back to my seat. I never see this at the brit though, thank god
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Post by stokie25 on Feb 6, 2011 21:02:08 GMT
That's terrible, what an awful experience It's not always like that, don't let it put you off, every club has a couple of idiots  Quite embarrassing really |
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Post by blackpoolred on Feb 6, 2011 21:19:13 GMT
Had the same myself at a couple of games. There are about 50 of them, some with their Lady friends.
They are incredibly intimidating and pick on Stoke fans as well as other people. They pay little interest in the game and I wish they would just feck off and take their stupid Burberry atire with them.
Can be seen in the John Smiths stand sometimes, generally spend all game slating the away dugout and even seen them have ago at our very own black players.
They have nothing to do with the great peolpe of Stoke or do not represent our club.
Please dont give up watching the Potters because of them. Otherwise you are letting them win.
How about the powers that be sending this thread to SCFC and getting these idiots banned - has certainly put me off taking my children to games.
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Post by stantheman on Feb 6, 2011 21:49:05 GMT
Were you sat in the neutral area, behind the goal?
I was directly behind the goal and apart form a mouthy Fulahm fan, saw/heard nothing out of the ordinary.
It was a truly shocking match and my heart goes out to you having to watch that terrible performance with idiots sitting close to you. it must of also cost you a fortune in tickets.
Try to keep the faith
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Post by kidsgroveboxxy on Feb 6, 2011 21:59:13 GMT
Please don't let these pricks ruin your views and judgment on us Stokies. The probability of him/they being Stoke fans are slim to none. I know you experienced an awful time, but please keep faith and fly the Stoke flag in Sweden for the rest of us, normal, passionate supporters. I know a Premier Leauge fixture away is attractive, but next time your in England, watch the mighty potters at the bear-pit for a (im sure) better all round atmosphere (and hopefully to grab 3 points)
Peace
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vodka
Youth Player
Posts: 323
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Post by vodka on Feb 6, 2011 23:48:09 GMT
There are pricks in all walks of life its just a shame some are stokies.
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Post by Joules on Feb 7, 2011 0:34:38 GMT
Thats terrible, they are just low lifes. Probably arnt even stoke fans, they are just there to throw abuse and spoil other peoples entertainment. . |
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Post by visunitafortior on Feb 7, 2011 0:51:35 GMT
Sorry to hear that, don't let these morons put you off supporting Stoke as it is great to receive support from over-seas.
These are just ignorant morons and I wish they would stop attaching themselves to our club. I think one of them may post on the board under Dan Stokie or something like that.
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Post by bayernoatcake on Feb 7, 2011 0:59:09 GMT
Sorry to hear that, don't let these morons put you off supporting Stoke as it is great to receive support from over-seas. These are just ignorant morons and I wish they would stop attaching themselves to our club. I think one of them may post on the board under Dan Stokie or something like that.I'm glad someone else has said that. That was my first thought when the original poster mentioned the 7 games thing. |
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Post by Binndy on Feb 7, 2011 8:05:12 GMT
Im sorry we are all in shock , on how badly the lads played that day and Delap has said sorry on behalf of the team. Do keep supporting the mighty Potters . Do try and come to the Brit sometime.If you post on here any of us can recommend the best places to sit with your family and will make you feel welcome. There is an hotel next to the ground and Maybe you should write to the club about your experience.
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Post by foster on Feb 7, 2011 8:10:56 GMT
I'd recommend the family stand at the Brit if you're going to be bringing wife and daughters.
People like that piss me off as well. I've not noticed any racism but dickheads who spend the entire game stood up abusing the opposition fans rather than watching the game should be told to sit down and shut up.
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Post by supersmashinggreat on Feb 7, 2011 9:07:23 GMT
I am a Stoke City supporter living in Sweden. But perhaps the saddest thing was that at the end of the game, the ringleader ran down to the edge of the pitch, whereupon Jermaine Pennant came up to him and gave him his shirt/bib. We were amazed; this was a man who had racially abused person´s of darker skins the whole game. Is Jermaine aware of what these people think about people of mixed race? This was Cockney Ted & Co, however ,I have to disagree i'm afraid, i was sat in front of them & the person that was given the shirt at the end was Cockney Ted. He was there with some of his mates & families, & some banter was had i agree but i never heard any racist abuse, there was a bit of an altercation with some old guy 4 rows back from him, but he was moaning all the way through the first half & Ted had a bit of banter with him also. I personally find them a good bunch of guys & gals who have passion for thier team, that is all. A stewerd got some stick because he tried to accuse CT of throwing an apple on the pitch, which was not the case. it was an half eaten one  |
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Post by richardparker on Feb 7, 2011 9:13:29 GMT
Does the 7 games include friendlies abroad and the Anglo-Italian Cup?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 7, 2011 9:23:29 GMT
Isn't it funny how behaviour can be seen by some as offensive knuckle dragging inbred uneducated actions, while others call it 'a bit of banter'?
Sums up exactly what's wrong with this country. Some people have morals, some don't.
Sort your experience was tainted by idiots.
Ther was a few Swedish stokes behind me at the fulham home game, nice folk.
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Post by podolipotter on Feb 7, 2011 11:47:22 GMT
Sorry to read that this state of affairs continues. I think you will find that all - and I mean, all football clubs have their moronic, offensive minority support, if you can call it that.
Please believe me when I say that the vast majority of true Stokies are passionate, loud and usually in good singing voice together, albeit I have had to stand and threaten others with calling a Steward if they did not shut up and sit down, at more than one match in the past. Thankfully, this worked on both occasions. I always try and ascertain the name of the closest steward before any game in case of any repeats but, have not yet had recourse to actually request assistance from them.
I hope the genuine feelings expressed in response to your thread go some way to smoothing your continuing support for the Potters.
PS I wish I could write Swedish as well as you write English!
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Post by sotexile on Feb 7, 2011 12:22:04 GMT
I am a Stoke City supporter living in Sweden. But perhaps the saddest thing was that at the end of the game, the ringleader ran down to the edge of the pitch, whereupon Jermaine Pennant came up to him and gave him his shirt/bib. We were amazed; this was a man who had racially abused person´s of darker skins the whole game. Is Jermaine aware of what these people think about people of mixed race? This was Cockney Ted & Co, however ,I have to disagree i'm afraid, i was sat in front of them & the person that was given the shirt at the end was Cockney Ted. He was there with some of his mates & families, & some banter was had i agree but i never heard any racist abuse, there was a bit of an altercation with some old guy 4 rows back from him, but he was moaning all the way through the first half & Ted had a bit of banter with him also. I personally find them a good bunch of guys & gals who have passion for thier team, that is all. A stewerd got some stick because he tried to accuse CT of throwing an apple on the pitch, which was not the case. it was an half eaten one This guy is a dick. |
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Post by hchpotter on Feb 7, 2011 12:33:25 GMT
Although I've had a season ticket with my family for more years than I care to remember I rarely go to away matches because there is small core of Stoke fans that at every away game that just seem intent on causing trouble. The vast majority are brilliant but at an away game you never know if you've got a seat in the middle of the idiots. You never know if you're going to be with the wrong people at the wrong time i.e. getting off the train, tram, bus etc...
There's been a lot written about the treatment of Stoke fans at Old Trafford last year but I got off a tram with some complete morons from Stoke that made me ashamed. They were hurling abuse at kids, women, older fans and they thought they were so hard.
Away at Everton I said to my lad "seen any Stokies you know?" and his reply was "yes, the kid who threatened to knife me when we won a school cup match the other week." Unfortunately we have some utter scum that follow the club.
If I were you, Swedish, I'd stick to home games in the John Smith's Stand if you want to take your daughters. You're safer there; you're in the majority; and on the whole the fans are less foul mouthed than at away games. You're also bringing revenue in to Stoke City!
Hope this incident didn't put you off for life and I hope your next Stoke experience is far more enjoyable.
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Post by steventweed on Feb 7, 2011 12:42:20 GMT
I am a Stoke City supporter living in Sweden. But perhaps the saddest thing was that at the end of the game, the ringleader ran down to the edge of the pitch, whereupon Jermaine Pennant came up to him and gave him his shirt/bib. We were amazed; this was a man who had racially abused person´s of darker skins the whole game. Is Jermaine aware of what these people think about people of mixed race? This was Cockney Ted & Co, however ,I have to disagree i'm afraid, i was sat in front of them & the person that was given the shirt at the end was Cockney Ted. He was there with some of his mates & families, & some banter was had i agree but i never heard any racist abuse, there was a bit of an altercation with some old guy 4 rows back from him, but he was moaning all the way through the first half & Ted had a bit of banter with him also. I personally find them a good bunch of guys & gals who have passion for thier team, that is all. A stewerd got some stick because he tried to accuse CT of throwing an apple on the pitch, which was not the case. it was an half eaten one You've made some comments in recent weeks that expose you as a bigoted twonk, so your comments don't really surprise me. I bet you'll be all "wah wah, pc brigade, keep the pound, sandal wearing do gooders can't keep me down" now, or some shit along those lines. |
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Post by thepremierbanksy on Feb 7, 2011 12:48:48 GMT
Did any of them say " 'Elmit!" or "Brap" repeatedly?
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Post by pretzel on Feb 7, 2011 13:27:50 GMT
I don't know you Swedish Stokie but was sitting a few rows back and sadly, everything you say is true.
Unfortunately, this is part of the away experience these days and while I'm not going to let it stop me following Stoke away from home, it does make me ashamed to be a Stokie.
Whether it be Fulham, Wigan, Hull.. there's always a significant number of people who seem not to be able to have a good time without acting like pricks.
Taking advantage of the cheap 'neutral' area tickets, I was happy to moderate my own language and respect the fact that I was sitting amongst tourists, who had probably never experienced a premiership game before.
The French family I was sitting alongside were obviously there just for the experience and I felt ashamed to be British, let alone a Stokie, after the intimidation that they experienced from this group of people, who no doubt feel very proud of their own brand of support for our club.
Unfortunately, it's no more than I expect at an away game, yet it's a sad sad state of affairs that the Swedish family's big day out in London was spoiled by what went on.
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Post by londonjamie on Feb 7, 2011 13:53:24 GMT
I am a Stoke City supporter living in Sweden. But perhaps the saddest thing was that at the end of the game, the ringleader ran down to the edge of the pitch, whereupon Jermaine Pennant came up to him and gave him his shirt/bib. We were amazed; this was a man who had racially abused person´s of darker skins the whole game. Is Jermaine aware of what these people think about people of mixed race? This was Cockney Ted & Co, however ,I have to disagree i'm afraid, i was sat in front of them & the person that was given the shirt at the end was Cockney Ted. He was there with some of his mates & families, & some banter was had i agree but i never heard any racist abuse, there was a bit of an altercation with some old guy 4 rows back from him, but he was moaning all the way through the first half & Ted had a bit of banter with him also. I personally find them a good bunch of guys & gals who have passion for thier team, that is all. A stewerd got some stick because he tried to accuse CT of throwing an apple on the pitch, which was not the case. it was an half eaten one I'm afraid I have to agree with super's recollection of these events. I was sat immediately to the left of this bunch, and heard most of what they were saying / doing. Although I did hear a lot of banter, I didn't hear anything explicitly racist...just unpleasant is all. There were some people to the left of me also abusing the stewards....(who I thought were being remarkably restrained actually, and didn't eject anyone despite the slagging they were getting). Again, what I heard was more about them being jobsworths than related to any race issue. Nevertheless it sounds like you had a horrible day swedish....and for that I think the vast majority of fans would be in sympathy with you. What you apparently experienced is gladly seldom experienced by travelling stoke fans these days, this is a club that has definitely come a long way (and the strength of the comments on this thread reflects that). What is also a pity is that Fulham is the only ground to successfully operate a neutral stand in the premier, and experiences such as yours could well signal the failure of what I see as a brave experiment in crowd control. |
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Post by fca47 on Feb 7, 2011 14:08:17 GMT
Unfortunately some people use the tolerance allowed to them at football matches to behave in a loutish way that they wouldn't get away with in any other social situation.
I moved my season ticket seat last season because of the behaviour of some idiots at the Britannia.
Makes you wonder what the stewards are there for sometimes. They never seem to tackle the real idiots.
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