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Posts from the ‘Fans’ Category

Oct 17

Smoke without fire

The phrase has meaning “no smoke without fire”.  AKA David Jones’ story in his autobiography.

I use the phrase here after learning that UEFA has charged the Serbia and England Football Associations following the argy bargy at the end of the Under-21’s football match between the countries.

Whilst, not there, from the comfort of my armchair, I would plead provocation in the sense of clear racism from the Serbian supporters, mischievous behaviour by the same (akin to that we used to see regularly in British football before our act was cleaned up somewhat) and a dubious reaction to affairs on the pitch post-final whistle, from the home team’s players and management.

In that sense, the cause or both smoke and fire appeared to be from Serbia.  But England has ‘previous’ and in a final fracas UEFA appears to have taken the easy – not necessary correct action – and penalised both.

Sep 15

Red mist

A term often used in connection with someone ‘losing their head’ and an impulsive reaction (sometimes regretted).  In this case I use it in connection with the loss of 96 lives, never to be forgotten, 23 years ago in Hillsborough.  Also, a double meaning with the ‘mist’ of despair rising slightly as families of the deceased seek justice. 

How ever you look at the events and the recent findings there were a catalogue of errors that led to people dying.  I heard the guesstimates on how many lives could potentially have been saved with swifter reaction by medical and emergency services.  I am appalled to even recite again.  That evidence and witness statements were falsified and tampered with has to result in penalties for some – but what a ridiculous amount of time has passed since the actual events – and the saga is destined to continue. 

One comment via: www.twohundredpercent.net 

Football fans lost their lives at a sporting event!

Jul 12

Stub born

It’s an interesting model that has only been agreed today by Sunderland AFC – and I have to confess an area that I have not delved into too much until recently.  I refer to the contractual deal between that club and US-owned, StubHub. 

StubHub, a rival to the more established Viagogo, has only just come to our shores.  It is an online “secondary ticketing” business which wants to establish itself  in the UK.   The Sunderland deal follows a similar contract worth an estimated £1.7M, with Everton.  A key focus is trading of season tickets. A service that I have used for hospitality at times of ‘peak demand’, so seen first hand how it works.

Viagogo are allegedly in the process of doing the same at Fulham and Newcastle.  It was piloted last season by them at Aston Villa.

Premiums are often prevalent in this ‘reselling’ – reporting suggests high prices but also more competitive prices may occur dependant on a given ‘supporters’’ aspirations.  The drivers behind this new model are supporters’ feedback on difficulties in acquiring tickets online for matches.

StubHub is an online marketplace owned by eBay, which provides services for buyers and sellers of tickets.

Jun 23

Let’s be Frank

It’s two years since the departure from his and our lives.  Frank Sidebottom R.I.P. 

I doubt I’ll ever go to Timperley Labour Club again but that’s exactly where I went to watch this giant papier-mâché head and his repertoire of wit and sound northern humour.  Not everyone’s taste but he tickled me.

It was said: “Frank was a brilliant comic creation that only Chris [Sievey] could have invented. His face as recognisable a symbol of Mancunian warmth and good humour as any you could wish to find.”

A devoted City fan, the role of a mascot can reach into many lives.  My Son remembers the trip to Elland Road not for County’s defeat but the leopard on the pitch. Of course, he’s now befriended Vernon Bear.  There’s even been some unscheduled rivalry between these ‘figure-heads’ of clubs.  But in the Year of the Olympics, I wonder if any special competition will materialise to the annual race.

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