A little bit of help required

[Malcolm Clarke]

I am liaising with the Club about an issue which has arisen in correspondence about how comfortable women feel in going to Stoke games. I would be interested in your answers to the following two simple questions

(a) What do you estimate to be the % of our home support who are female ?
(b) On average what do you estimate to be the % of our away support who are female ?

I know that the club hold these data on an individual basis, but I don't know if the collated information is readily available, but even if it is I am also interested in fans perceptions of the position, as well as the factual data.

Obviously only answer (a) if you actually attend the Bet365, and only answer (b) if you go to at least some away games. Don't be influenced by other posters' answers.

If you want to embellish your answer, do you think that these %ages have increased, decreased or stayed approximately the same over say the last 5/6 years ?

Thanks.

[scfcno1fan]

15% home.

Less than 5% away.

My other half has been a Stoke fan now for 4 years (since she met me) and has been to a whole host of home and away games.

Unfortunately after the Sheff U game she said she wouldn’t go to anymore.

I don’t blame her tbh. Some of our supporters need to take a long look at themselves and their behaviour away from home.

[Malcolm Clarke]

Nov 3, 2021 9:36:02 GMT scfcno1fan said:

15% home.

Less than 5% away.

My other half has been a Stoke fan now for 4 years (since she met me) and has been to a whole host of home and away games.

Unfortunately after the Sheff U game she said she wouldn’t go to anymore.

I don’t blame her tbh. Some of our supporters need to take a long look at themselves and their behaviour away from home.

Thanks. In fact the correspondence has arisen as a result of the Sheff Utd game. Therefore, if you have time, I would be interested in knowing a bit more detail about the behaviour at that game which upset your partner, either on here or, if you prefer, through a PM.

[scfcno1fan]

Nov 3, 2021 9:39:44 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

Nov 3, 2021 9:36:02 GMT scfcno1fan said:

15% home.

Less than 5% away.

My other half has been a Stoke fan now for 4 years (since she met me) and has been to a whole host of home and away games.

Unfortunately after the Sheff U game she said she wouldn’t go to anymore.

I don’t blame her tbh. Some of our supporters need to take a long look at themselves and their behaviour away from home.

Thanks. In fact the correspondence has arisen as a result of the Sheff Utd game. Therefore, if you have time, I would be interested in knowing a bit more detail about the behaviour at that game which upset your partner, either on here or, if you prefer, through a PM.

Yes of course, may not be for a couple of days but will send something through.

[Royal Donut]

South stand less than 10%

Away less than 10%

I mentioned the South stand because it can abit rowdy let's say, the average age would be 20ish. The percentage hasn't changed since the first season the South stand had season ticket holders.

I'd say the family stand has the most women from walking past but maybe someone who actually sits in there can give their bit.

I'm actually taking this misses to this particular game(blackpool) I will get feedback for you, but take as you will she's only been a handful of away games,but it might be of help.

[Malcolm Clarke]

Nov 3, 2021 10:02:42 GMT Royal Donut said:

South stand less than 10%

Away less than 10%

I mentioned the South stand because it can abit rowdy let's say, the average age would be 20ish. The percentage hasn't changed since the first season the South stand had season ticket holders.

I'd say the family stand has the most women from walking past but maybe someone who actually sits in there can give their bit.

I'm actually taking this misses to this particular game(blackpool) I will get feedback for you, but take as you will she's only been a handful of away games,but it might be of help.

I will be counting numbers myself tonight !

[nottsover60]

As a woman my impression is that where I sit in the Tile Mountain there are about 2% women if that. I haven't been to an away match in the Championship but at the few I went to in the Premier I didn't see many at all in the away seats.

EDIT : Having thought a bit more about the maths (percentages weren't my forte) I would say there are at least 100 men to 1 woman so probably nearer 1%.

[spiderpuss]

Looking around where I sit in the Boothen as follows:

(a) What do you estimate to be the % of our home support who are female ? 10%

And my last few away games:

(b) On average what do you estimate to be the % of our away support who are female ?
Millwall: 1%
SheffU : 5%
Fulham 5%

The club will have these figures though.

[withnall]

I'm a bloke, but at away matches I like to wear my female clothes.

Be careful you don't count a bloke with a beard as a lady.

[kustokie]

Hi Malcom. As a matter of interest, are there any data on the number of overseas supporters, like me, who watch the club stream and any data on how many overseas fans make the trip to watch live. I know the Norwegian contingent goes to every home games. I had the privilege of meeting them once at Delilah’s. They said the main reason they were able to go to every match was “very understanding wives”!

[bayernoatcake]

15% at home would sound about right from where I sit I think.

I haven't been an away game in forever so can't comment.

[Scouse]

A generalisation maybe but in % terms and indeed in terms of behaviour , loutish or restrained .. then the full turnout lads day out type fixtures eg Shelf Utd , Derby , Millwall etc type games ..differ compared to say games attracting people when the football or supporting the club is the main reason for going  .. ie Swansea , Mboro night games 

At games were the day on the piss isn’t the main factor,  women make up a higher percentage of our support , indeed many of our female supporters are tremendously loyal with matching attendance records ..including going many fixtures that others give a miss 

Away from home over the years I’d say anything much over 1500  and the general behaviour deteriorates disproportionately , impacting supporters across the spectrum ..some tolerate the drop off , for some it’s likely to be a (major ) factor in their decision to attend or not 

Promotion to the Prem saw a gentrification of our support both in demographic and behavioural terms ..with relegation Id suggest that’s beginning to drop off again 

[leicspotter]

Home: between 5 and 7%
Away: between 1 and 2%

[cheadlepotter]

Home: 20% in the East stand, whatever it’s called, where I sit whenever I can attend. I must admit though that the amount of female support has never really crossed my mind so I accept my guess could be way off!

Away: I don’t attend away games.

[vickyb]

I think Stoke has quite a lot of longstanding, generally older, female supporters. There's a fairly high percentage of women in and around Block 30 who I'm familiar with because, like me, they've had seats there for many years - so based on that, I'd say about 20% in that area of the ground at least. I go to a reasonable number of away games, mainly on the official coaches, which seem to be used by a good few female supporters, possibly because they're more wary than men of travelling long distances by car or train, especially for mid-week games and if they're on their own. I reckon about 15% of people using the official coaches are female, but the overall proportion at away games is much less, maybe 5-10%.

[s8to]

From what I see, 5%-7% home, away (primarily for some of the reasons outlined I Suspect) 1-2%

[Ron]

The behaviour of our own fans at the Sheff Utd was little short of appalling.

Of course - this is a minority- however, sadly, there was an incident where 2 somewhat intoxicated young lads started on a bloke who had his young child with him.

There is a minority of support who see an away game as an opportunity to drink to excess, take drugs and act in a manner that in any other public environment would be unacceptable.

There is open drug use and smoking in away toilets- this was evident at sheff u.

There were supporters standing in aisles at the back just pew kick off meaning older fans and kids couldn’t get through.

It took me asking a steward to get it cleared.

We all enjoy a pint, part upon an away day, but to many that seems to give them the right to think they can act how they want an without consequence.

The lack of response for their own from some is staggering.

[Malcolm Clarke]

Nov 3, 2021 12:22:33 GMT kustokie said:

Hi Malcom. As a matter of interest, are there any data on the number of overseas supporters, like me, who watch the club stream and any data on how many overseas fans make the trip to watch live. I know the Norwegian contingent goes to every home games. I had the privilege of meeting them once at Delilah’s. They said the main reason they were able to go to every match was “very understanding wives”!

The Club will have the data on the streaming take up. They will also have the addresses of ticket purchasers, although I don't know how easy it would be to tot up those with overseas addresses. Both things would be interesting to know

[Bera’s Beano]

To be honest I find the away support is awful to be a part of when following Stoke.

Cup games aren't much better to be fair.

I have just started bringing my daughter and son, I have to say now that they are involved and in that environment I'd rather keep them away.

[Malcolm Clarke]

Nov 3, 2021 13:59:50 GMT Ron said:

The behaviour of our own fans at the Sheff Utd was little short of appalling.

Of course - this is a minority- however, sadly, there was an incident where 2 somewhat intoxicated young lads started on a bloke who had his young child with him.

There is a minority of support who see an away game as an opportunity to drink to excess, take drugs and act in a manner that in any other public environment would be unacceptable.

There is open drug use and smoking in away toilets- this was evident at sheff u.

There were supporters standing in aisles at the back just pew kick off meaning older fans and kids couldn’t get through.

It took me asking a steward to get it cleared.

We all enjoy a pint, part upon an away day, but to many that seems to give them the right to think they can act how they want an without consequence.

The lack of response for their own from some is staggering.

Do you think it was worse at Sheff Utd than it normally is, Ron ? I didn't particularly notice that myself, but of course none of us see everything, and it can depend where you are sitting/standing. Or do you think it's always that bad ? Do you think there were enough stewards and were they in the right place ?

[PotterLog]

Nov 3, 2021 12:10:30 GMT withnall said:

I'm a bloke, but at away matches I like to wear my female clothes.

Be careful you don't count a bloke with a beard as a lady.

Given that the recent "Women at the game" survey posted by Malcolm Clarke contained at least two (potentially contradictory) questions about sex and gender self-identity, and that "woman" and "female" are used interchangeably in the OP, this is actually a fair consideration.

[Ron]

Nov 3, 2021 14:57:55 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

Nov 3, 2021 13:59:50 GMT Ron said:

The behaviour of our own fans at the Sheff Utd was little short of appalling.

Of course - this is a minority- however, sadly, there was an incident where 2 somewhat intoxicated young lads started on a bloke who had his young child with him.

There is a minority of support who see an away game as an opportunity to drink to excess, take drugs and act in a manner that in any other public environment would be unacceptable.

There is open drug use and smoking in away toilets- this was evident at sheff u.

There were supporters standing in aisles at the back just pew kick off meaning older fans and kids couldn’t get through.

It took me asking a steward to get it cleared.

We all enjoy a pint, part upon an away day, but to many that seems to give them the right to think they can act how they want an without consequence.

The lack of response for their own from some is staggering.

Do you think it was worse at Sheff Utd than it normally is, Ron ? I didn't particularly notice that myself, but of course none of us see everything, and it can depend where you are sitting/standing. Or do you think it's always that bad ? Do you think there were enough stewards and were they in the right place ?

maybe it was just where I was sat and there were a lot of idiots about. Have to say having been derby a few weeks earlier- I’d seen nothing other than the usual
Excessive behaviour of some on the concourse.

I’ve seen similar activity in toilets over the years mind.

The sheff u stewards did sort the problem on the gangway out when asked. But it’s the selfish behaviour of a minority of supporters that often ruins an away experience for many.

Now my daughter wants to go - and was with me at sheff u- I’ll think twice about taking her.

Concourse behaviour //throwing of beer is one that gets me.

The point I make is that many of our own don’t respect their fellow supporters.

[jezzascfc]

Nov 3, 2021 15:42:54 GMT Ron said:

Nov 3, 2021 14:57:55 GMT Malcolm Clarke said:

Do you think it was worse at Sheff Utd than it normally is, Ron ? I didn't particularly notice that myself, but of course none of us see everything, and it can depend where you are sitting/standing. Or do you think it's always that bad ? Do you think there were enough stewards and were they in the right place ?

maybe it was just where I was sat and there were a lot of idiots about. Have to say having been derby a few weeks earlier- I’d seen nothing other than the usual
Excessive behaviour of some on the concourse.

I’ve seen similar activity in toilets over the years mind.

The sheff u stewards did sort the problem on the gangway out when asked. But it’s the selfish behaviour of a minority of supporters that often ruins an away experience for many.

Now my daughter wants to go - and was with me at sheff u- I’ll think twice about taking her.

Concourse behaviour //throwing of beer is one that gets me.

The point I make is that many of our own don’t respect their fellow supporters.

Don't want to sound like an old fogey, and we have always had a few in our support who go beyond what is acceptable behaviour, but it does seem to have increased over the last few years, with some groups of young lads who totally disregard how they are viewed by, and how their behaviour impacts on, their fellow Stokies, and act in a manner which could put quite a few off going to games (particular women and children), especially away from home, which is a real shame.

[pottersrule]

Nov 3, 2021 9:36:02 GMT scfcno1fan said:

15% home.

Less than 5% away.

My other half has been a Stoke fan now for 4 years (since she met me) and has been to a whole host of home and away games.

Unfortunately after the Sheff U game she said she wouldn’t go to anymore.

I don’t blame her tbh. Some of our supporters need to take a long look at themselves and their behaviour away from home.

Can't agree more mate.I went to Derby and the behaviour of some was disgusting.I was more riled by the behaviour of some of these morons than the insipid performance of our team.
Not that they would have noticed as they spent the entire game trying to act hard.Pathetic!

[Ron]

Nov 3, 2021 15:53:06 GMT jezzascfc said:

Nov 3, 2021 15:42:54 GMT Ron said:

maybe it was just where I was sat and there were a lot of idiots about. Have to say having been derby a few weeks earlier- I’d seen nothing other than the usual
Excessive behaviour of some on the concourse.

I’ve seen similar activity in toilets over the years mind.

The sheff u stewards did sort the problem on the gangway out when asked. But it’s the selfish behaviour of a minority of supporters that often ruins an away experience for many.

Now my daughter wants to go - and was with me at sheff u- I’ll think twice about taking her.

Concourse behaviour //throwing of beer is one that gets me.

The point I make is that many of our own don’t respect their fellow supporters.

Don't want to sound like an old fogey, and we have always had a few in our support who go beyond what is acceptable behaviour, but it does seem to have increased over the last few years, with some groups of young lads who totally disregard how they are viewed by, and how their behaviour impacts on, their fellow Stokies, and act in a manner which could put quite a few off going to games (particular women and children), especially away from home, which is a real shame.

I’m sure there a many who agree with both you and I- and I’m by no means old (yet 🤣). I like to go away and have a couple of pints- that’s normal behaviour- but I agree with you the behaviour of a lot these days is just plain selfish- and viewed by them as acceptable. “ we’ll don’t come away if you don’t like it” is the standard response to anyone who dear pull folk up.

Not all that long ago there were plenty of fans who “enjoyed themselves” whilst being respectful to their own.

[Ron]

Malcom- as you can see from the thread it is not only me who is expressing concern about away issues.

Whilst I note your threads purpose- these issues are likely to put off many from going away.

Perhaps these issues are worthy of wider discussion with the club and supporters council?

[J-Roar]

Nov 3, 2021 12:10:30 GMT withnall said:

I'm a bloke, but at away matches I like to wear my female clothes.

Be careful you don't count a bloke with a beard as a lady.

I'm a bearded lady who only goes to away games dressed in man's clothes so I guess we cancel each other out.

[kevkj]

To be honest in my view and I'm abroad last two years it has not changed much.
People chucked beer etc but you can move away,it's usually only 20 or 30 idiots bouncing around.
It's a male environment that was and is really.
At least it's better than the 70 and 80s,when away games you took your life in your hands.
Personally im sick of PC people changing environments to suit their needs.
Might seem harsh but I am personally tired of the baying to Black,women etc
There is also Stoke Ladies to follow.
Just my view.

[dave1]

Nov 3, 2021 16:46:39 GMT Ron said:

Malcom- as you can see from the thread it is not only me who is expressing concern about away issues.

Whilst I note your threads purpose- these issues are likely to put off many from going away.

Perhaps these issues are worthy of wider discussion with the club and supporters council?

What is the point of the council discussing supporter behaviour at away games with the club? What do you think they could achieve?

[J-Roar]

On a serious note I'd say about 7% at home games and 2% away