jnb14
Youth Player
Posts: 271
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Post by jnb14 on Nov 17, 2008 12:25:18 GMT
I never write to papers, well, not until now! But after reading the Guardian's report - I just had to send the following:
What a charming report. I speak as a Stoke fan, so I’m understandably biased. I also wasn’t present on Saturday at Old Trafford, so I couldn’t say what was chanted at Ronaldo. Despite that, I wonder if Paul Weaver, hand on heart, can point to the last time that opposing fans have chanted at Ronaldo? Or has that never happened before? Or is it only Stoke fans that cause such offence? Or are we so much louder than supporters of other teams? Did Stoke fans sing the “Munich” song? I’m guessing that the Munich song would be slightly more offensive that what was chanted at Ronaldo?
I look forward to Paul’s subsequent reports from Old Trafford. I do hope that he will focus his reports on the chants from the away supporters. As for the football we played, I can only apologise for the manner and tactics we employed. If only we had spent £100 million pounds last summer, instead of the £20 million we did.
And one final point. Paul’s report seems to imply an agreement with Arsene Wenger that Stoke City football players deliberately play to maim the opposition. Thin ice here, I suggest?
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Post by Gods on Nov 17, 2008 12:34:52 GMT
That doyen of football journalists Brian Glanville in the Sunday Times also remarked on our support but in what I would consider a very positive way:
"With their raucous not to say bellicose fans in thundering chorus behind the scoreboard goal..." how good is that?!
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Post by Gods on Nov 17, 2008 12:36:52 GMT
Actually maybe not now I've looked up "bellicose" in the dictionary:
"Bellicose" - having or showing a ready disposition to fight
I still like it though!
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Post by JoeinOz on Nov 17, 2008 12:36:32 GMT
From the report.
This was the day when Ferguson celebrated his 50th anniversary as a manager in professional football.
Er, I don't think so somehow.
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Post by Not_Nick_H on Nov 17, 2008 12:38:56 GMT
More to the point jnb - I'm looking forward to his report on the Boxing Day game! I think packing him off to the Brit to cover the re-match would be fair don't you? ;D
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Post by JoeinOz on Nov 17, 2008 12:44:13 GMT
I hope the poor ickle lamb never has to report on a Liverpool Man yoo game. Or a Man Yoo Leeds game. Or and old firm game. He'll have a nervous breakdown.
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Post by Fred Ferret on Nov 17, 2008 12:55:30 GMT
It's obvious from some of the comments:
"a large section of their witless supporters" - so is he saying all Stoke supporters are witless?
"remarkable deliveries from Rory Delap, who has brought new meaning to the notion of throwing a match" - there's a nasty innuendo if ever there was one!
The issue is simple - here we have in Weaver, a bitter and twisted little turd, whose been offended that the rousing, belligerent and defiant Stoke roadshow has disturbed their theatre of sweet dreams.
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Post by Strange Boy on Nov 17, 2008 13:02:52 GMT
Already pointed out by somebody else but "This was the day when Ferguson celebrated his 50th anniversary as a manager in professional football" lol......Sir Alex will be 67 at the end of this year (according to Wikipedia) so that means he's been managing professional football since he was 16-17 lmao! Yeah ok lol! ;D
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jnb14
Youth Player
Posts: 271
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Post by jnb14 on Nov 17, 2008 14:19:23 GMT
Not Nick,
I for one would give him a warm welcome!
The point about our limited style is well taken, it's his implication that our players our thugs and that no other set of fans have ever, never, ever "picked" on Ronaldo. If he ever leaves for Real, I'm sure the Man U fans would be warm and generous!
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Post by serpico on Nov 17, 2008 14:42:03 GMT
No, it had more to do with Stoke. Their football failed to fire the imagination and a large section of their witless supporters soured the spirit by verbally abusing Ronaldo whenever he was remotely near the ball. No footballer should be subjected to that. No spectator, either. And after the match the distressingly hard-of-hearing Stoke manager, Tony Pulis, completed a squalid little day for his club when he said: "You get some banter. I don't know what they were singing. I switch off when I'm in the technical zone". The poor sausage had to to up with people calling him nasty names, aaaaaaahhhhh poor Ronaldo jesus wept, the nanny culture is creeping it's way into football now, you're not even supposed to jeer oppositions players, no doubt they'll start issuing fines for disrespectful supporters soon, and soon after that insist on no singing at all,........ just sit down and shut up, spend all your wages and then fuck off home. As far as I'm aware the chanting wasn't racial or discriminatory, so what is the problem ?
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Post by stokemark on Nov 17, 2008 14:45:36 GMT
My own email to him -
Dear Paul
'Im not going to get into any histrionics re: your report on the Manchester United v Stoke game suffice to point out that Stoke City are supported by traditionally working class, passionate fans who were still singing and backing their team at 5 nil down when the majority of the Manchester United contingent (who were probably on an away day from Tunbridge Wells) remained silent.
If the latter is the sort of football ‘atmosphere’ that you enjoy and prefer then I feel genuinely sad to see that you find our once great game should be more akin to a matinee at the theatre (where of course there are no losers – the main attraction for the majority of Manchester United fans from out of town) than a sport.'
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Post by winger on Nov 17, 2008 15:15:30 GMT
I've just emailed this to him:
Wanker, wanker write us a report wanker, write us a report.
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Post by wizzardofdribble on Nov 17, 2008 15:37:35 GMT
Its just snobbery of the highest order...quite surprising for The Grauniad with its penchant for supporting the under-dog...might have expected it from a Times/Telegraph Sports Writer but The Guardian? Shocking, patronising and factually incorrect... Shame on you...
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Post by stokebill on Nov 17, 2008 15:59:51 GMT
Witless, squalid, Pulis distressingly hard-of-hearing, awful supporters, wants to forget all about us.
He does actually quite like a bit of witless abuse then?
Is he usually the tennis correspondent or something?
I wasn't there. Was it any worse than a bit of bellicose banter towards Ronaldo, or did we go all Sol Campbell on him?
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Post by Strange Boy on Nov 17, 2008 16:03:57 GMT
Anybody received a reply yet?
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Post by Gods on Nov 17, 2008 16:12:21 GMT
I think the Guardian newspaper started life as the Manchester Guardian before going national so that may explain something!
Furthermore I'm starting to wonder if this reporter thought we said something else when we referred to Ronaldo as a "winker".
It seems our subtle reference to Ronaldo winking at Scolari on the Portugal bench when he got Rooney sent off in the England/Portugal world cup quarter final which effectively ended England's involvement in the competition has been misconstrued!
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Post by Do eet fer Paddock on Nov 17, 2008 16:14:05 GMT
What was the offending chant?
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Post by lurcherman on Nov 17, 2008 21:47:12 GMT
"With their raucous not to say bellicose fans in thundering chorus behind the scoreboard goal..." I've got a pain in my bellicose I've eaten too many pies See !! any f**ker can be a reporter and use big words ;D
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Post by slangking on Nov 17, 2008 21:51:46 GMT
The usual Manc bias from this pitiful rag.
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Post by stokemark on Nov 17, 2008 21:56:26 GMT
Got a reply
Dear Mark,
Thank you for your letter. I think most football clubs are followed by "traditionally working-class, passionate fans." But I don't agree with your implication that because they're working class it's ok if they were ignorant and boorish. I've lived in so called working-class areas - still do - and they're not all like that. Indeed, they're not all like that in Stoke. On this occasion I found the constant chanting, directed at the most skilful player on the pitch, offensive. Boring too. If supporters want to get under the skin of the opposition's star player they should do so with a bit of wit or humour or not bother at all. I like the theatre and I like football. But what went on the other day was unacceptable. A bit Neanderthal to be truthful. I'm paid to give an honest opinion and many people from Stoke I spoke with agreed with me. Paul Weaver
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Post by serpico on Nov 17, 2008 21:57:31 GMT
What was the offending chant? Chanting "wanker, wanker, wanker" at Ronaldo. If this is what passes as inexcusable behaviour in modern day football, then perhaps we're better off in the championship ? top flight football seems to have changed an awful lot since we were last there, nowadays it seems all that is required of you is to turn up, buy shit merchandise, sit down, shut up, and then go home without so much as a shout in anger.
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Post by Rebelliousjukebox on Nov 17, 2008 22:02:49 GMT
Got a reply Dear Mark, Thank you for your letter. I think most football clubs are followed by "traditionally working-class, passionate fans." But I don't agree with your implication that because they're working class it's ok if they were ignorant and boorish. I've lived in so called working-class areas - still do - and they're not all like that. Indeed, they're not all like that in Stoke. On this occasion I found the constant chanting, directed at the most skilful player on the pitch, offensive. Boring too. If supporters want to get under the skin of the opposition's star player they should do so with a bit of wit or humour or not bother at all. I like the theatre and I like football. But what went on the other day was unacceptable. A bit Neanderthal to be truthful. I'm paid to give an honest opinion and many people from Stoke I spoke with agreed with me. Paul Weaver At least you got a reply. The biggest flaw in his report, and in this reply from him, is that - in contrast to the report in The Guardian's sister paper, The Obserever, yesterday - he ignores Ronaldo's petulance, and the unacceptable aspects of his behaviour on the pitch; he's been taken in, hook, line & sinker, by the spoilt brat's "what me gov?" act.
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Post by ColonelMustard on Nov 17, 2008 22:05:40 GMT
Observer report was pretty positive on Sunday. Oh well.
We may have been boorish but we remained factual throughout. Plus the Real Madrid chant didn't even have any swearing. To be honest I was disappointed we didn't keep at him as intensely in the second half.
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Post by slangking on Nov 17, 2008 22:07:34 GMT
He was yet again exhibiting all of the characteristics which lead him to be hated by opposing as well as his own fans, diving, looking to get opposing players booked, feigning injury. Does Weaver mention any of his behaviour in his report? No.
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Post by stokemark on Nov 17, 2008 22:28:39 GMT
Sent my reply
I can see the point you make about the nature of the chanting and some of the more 'choice' words used. I would however still like to point out that football should be a place where supporters come and back their team as vociferously as possible and if an opposition player is as petulant and antagonist as 'Ronaldo' was for 90 minutes on Saturday then he is bound to attract particular attention.
Personally I found Old Trafford a sterile rather soulless place full of people who have no real links with the team they 'support' and have adopted Manchester United because, well, they win - alot !
If thats your idea of what football should be all about then thats your choice - Give me the 'neanderthal' Britannia stadium any day of the week. In modern football its tough enough opting to support your local team at the best of times without having a pop at REAL supporters and I think that unless we (and I cite the popular press more than anyone) encourage people to do so all we will have left will be Manchester Utd play Manchester Utd reserves at the Glazier Superdome (no singing, standing or caring allowed)
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Post by Jamo on the wing on Nov 17, 2008 22:41:05 GMT
The Sports Editor has just recieved this from me...
Sir,
May I suggest that your "journalist" Mr. Weaver takes a teaspoon of reality before he decides to write anything as absurd as some of the comments made in the match report from Old Trafford this week? To suggest that Stoke City fans "soured" the day by verbally abusing Christiano Ronaldo is fanciful at best and at worst, simply not true. The difference between the abuse Mr. Ronaldo received on Saturday and the abuse normally reserved for him from other opposition fans is that due to the excellent vocal support from officially the loudest fans in the Premier League, this abuse could be clearly made out. I find Mr. Weaver's snobbery indicative of the sterile nature of many things associated with the top flight; it would appear that the media and the players now own the elite division in this country and we the fans are merely a source of income for both. Apparently according to Mr. Weaver, the Stoke support was "witless"; I assume he will adopt the same stance when Mr. Ronaldo visits more established Premier clubs and enjoys a similar welcome, or could it be that Stoke City do not fit into his ideal of what clubs in the top flight should be like? Perhaps he resents the fact that a typically working class club such as ourselves have managed to, without apology, force our way into the division through sheer hard work and passion; not to mention a united front both on and off the pitch as was witnessed at the weekend. I note that in his description of Stoke City fans he failed to mention that despite the goals raining in the only voices that could be heard at Old Trafford were those from the Potteries. He also goes on to ignore the fact that these "witless" supporters gave their players a standing ovation at the end of the game despite a heavy defeat. I have no idea if Mr. Weaver has some sort of history with Stoke City Football Club and I wouldn't expect him to be brave enough to admit to it anyway, but I sincerely hope he enjoys his next visit to the Potteries when he can expect an atmosphere that may wake him up from the plastic fan induced slumber that he endures at many grounds in the "greatest league in the world."
Yours Sincerely,
Jamo Loyal, Proud and Stoke City.
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Post by stokemark on Nov 17, 2008 22:55:01 GMT
Great letter Jamo
Im seriously starting to think that the Big 4 / media 'carve up' really does need to be attacked by someone with some degree of clout. These sycophantic journo's are clearly like the goose protecting their golden egg and they do so with a level of blatant abuse its staggering.
I dont have Sky, I dont buy newspapers - thats my personal 'attempt' beyond that, anyone ANY suggestions about how we can could tackle this disgraceful stranglehold they have ? (please dont suggest the FSF !!!)
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Post by winger on Nov 17, 2008 22:57:44 GMT
That's a pathetic reply; 'I've lived in working class areas.' Sure you have Paul, baby, what was it, Stoke Newington, since Balls Pond Road was out of your reach?
Such atmosphere as was generated at OT came from less than 5% of the 'audience.' If he really feels like that should really stick to having an affair with his best friend's wife and give the footy a miss.
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Post by banburypotter on Nov 17, 2008 23:01:12 GMT
i was in row 29 of the east stand upper and sneezed, and ronaldocunt fell over, and waved an imaginary yellow card in my direction ;D thats what i dont like about him,he does not need to do it, and because he does he is a target for the stoke fans,(and other teams fans i have no doubt) c\n you imagine what this paul(wanker)weaver would have said about us if we had chanted 'cheat' at his beloved ronaldocunt?
paul(wanker)weaver sounds as up his own arse as the man poo (fans) stood next to us satdee.
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Post by Jamo on the wing on Nov 17, 2008 23:14:20 GMT
Got a reply Dear Mark, Thank you for your letter. I think most football clubs are followed by "traditionally working-class, passionate fans." But I don't agree with your implication that because they're working class it's ok if they were ignorant and boorish. I've lived in so called working-class areas - still do - and they're not all like that. Indeed, they're not all like that in Stoke. On this occasion I found the constant chanting, directed at the most skilful player on the pitch, offensive. Boring too. If supporters want to get under the skin of the opposition's star player they should do so with a bit of wit or humour or not bother at all. I like the theatre and I like football. But what went on the other day was unacceptable. A bit Neanderthal to be truthful. I'm paid to give an honest opinion and many people from Stoke I spoke with agreed with me. Paul Weaver I'm curious about the "many people from Stoke I spoke with agreed with me" I'd love to see him back that remark up with some cold hard facts relating to which Stokies he has spoken to. ??? (That said there was probably at least 100 or so from this area who are Shit fans )
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