First, let’s sum up the story.
A family, consisting of a mother (supporting the Villa), a father (supporting Utd) and their two young sons, aged 9 and 7 (inbetweenies of both clubs) were ejected from the family stand after the three males celebrated Falcao’s equaliser.
Apparently, a couple of women took offence at this and asked for them to be ejected, which they promptly were, with the reason being that “it might have kicked off”.
Now, I’m no fan of the Villa stewards and even posted about how I got ejected from Villa park for the major crime of having an unlit cigarette in my hand.
In my case, I believe the stewards were pathetically high handed because I’d simply done nothing wrong in the first place.
Admittedly, my response probably didn’t help matters, but when I’ve paid good money to watch my team at home and I’m neither causing any trouble or breaking any rules, I quite simply don’t want to be disturbed by stewards.
So that’s my position as to what I think of Villa’s stewards.
I don’t think I’m alone in that view either, as I’ve heard of many complaints about them.
But this time, I simply believe the stewards called this one correctly.
Even though we’re talking about young kids being thrown out, the simple fact is that the Family stand is for home fans only and they just shouldn’t have been in there, particularly if the Man utd father hadn’t got the nous to tell them not to cheer if Man Utd scored.
Is that harsh and expecting too much of the kids?
I don’t think so, as they obviously knew enough not to cheer when the Villa took the lead.
I quite simply blame the father.
Of course, you have to have a bit of sympathy when you have a family that’s split between clubs, but the only ideal solution is that the home fans go in the home stands and the away fans go in the away stand.
But then, I doubt the Brummie Red would have qualified for an away ticket; even less the 3 required in this case. Which is just tough.
We know there were plenty of Utd fans in the home stands. There always are.
But if you can’t keep your excitement under control, you deserve everything you get in such a highly charged game, in my opinion (not that I condone any violence).
Anyway, I’m particularly interested in what you think, which is why I’ve added the Poll.
Comments
73 responses to “POLL; Villa stewards eject young Man U fans; right or wrong?”
Steward at villa.. Holte End..
We have no problems with united fans in our stand providing they don’t jump up / show there colours, once they do we have no choice, as it always kicks off afterwords..!
Welcome Marni.
I totally agree.
It’s plainly inflammatory, in my opinion.
What gets me is HE brought the tickets not the ALLEGED villa supporter. He brought his kids into the environment and he clearly didn’t tell them to keep a low profile. No sympathy really. It should be the dad apologising to his kids.
I blame the dad,more than likely that’s the only UTD game he attends each season as he wouldnt pay old Trafford prices.irresponsible putting his family at risk.badger Bill p might be having a few words mate as he used to be a steward.
I don’t know if you are aware that most steward’s have or retired from professional employment jobs, they are not has the days gone by, nevertheless a bit of decorum might have been used, unless they was making a nuisance all the time a 7 and 9 year old with mom and dad? that’s not business sence to Villa , how did they get tickets to a family enclosed for Villa fans, Blame the club, money means more . its like them and us and never change do you moan if next door is a Westham fan? Cause you don’t. Bloody mindless people.IMO
I have some sympathy with the stewards. It depends on the nature of the away fans celebration. If they leap up and cheer, I don’t mind. But if they shove two fingers in the faces of their neighbours in the seats or otherwise try to rub it in then they have to go.
Others in the Lower Holte were ejected too I believe. I make this assumption as it was immediately after their goal and all focus turned to behind the goal, around row x.
I didn’t take too much notice as I was chatting with my 2 quiet Manc mates.
I was quite close to the family stand and saw some commotion, some right idiot thinking he’s the local madman offering out some guy (I assume the Dad) right in front of a load of young kids…..(not the kids in question) IMO, its that dickhead who can’t handle his special brew that needed removing!!!
Iv no problem with it, but when there’s nobhead like that about its prob best not too, but then ud think it would be ok in the family area!!
Helenius, now I’ve read your observation there was justification , if two males are fighting then yes.
Interesting in that there seems to be a quarter saying the decision was wrong.
But no argument as to why?
Is the only reason the decision’s in question because it involves a family and young(er) children? If it had been adults only then there would be no debate! In my last job I saw plenty of dysfunctional families that can cause a lot of grief; I hate seeing kids being kicked out but what other alternative did the stewards have if the circumstances are as Badger describes them? Making exceptions to a clear rule is a dodgy road to follow.
Hitchens,
I’ve described things very briefly, but hopefully reasonably accurately.
The story is probably slanted from the off, given that the source is a Utd fan.
Still, I think it makes for interesting debate, as the sad part is it involves young kids getting kicked out from our national game.
No doubt the father thinks he’s doing his best in trying to create that love/fervour/passion for his club.
Something I bet all footy fans have sympathy with.
It’s a partisan thing, after all, isn’t it, footy?
I’m educating (brainwashing) my grandkids all the time when it comes to the Villa 🙂
But at the same time, you have to teach the kids how to behave, imo.
Give plenty of abuse to the enemy of the day. That’s the name of the game.
And don’t take the proverbial on their turf, unless you’re willing to face the results, is the way I see it.
It’s about good manners.
And being taught correctly, which is why I blame the dad.
Here’s the original article I read;
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/man-united-fans-aged-seven-8331512
And here’s what seems an embellished version, no doubt because the story has blown up a bit 🙂
http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/two-young-united-fans-aged-8334053
If you believe the paper report (which in my experience will be heavily slanted against the villa stewards) it was, apparently, the reaction from (female) Villa fans that precipitated the stewards action. It could have got unpleasant, particularly against the father and that could have included a lot of bad language. So, on balance with so many kids in the stand, it seems the stewards took a safe course of action. Harsh on the kids but the parents have to take some responsibility (and I suspect the father did a little more than hive them a hug!!) diatribe over!
Clearly states that the tickets are for home fans only so they outside the conditions of issue and besides who cares? f##k em the plastics manc wankers.
As someone who’s been in a few grounds as a guest of mates supporting their local team [note I mean their LOCAL team, at their home ground] playing against Villa, it was always understood that you kept your opinions to yourself until you were well-clear of the game – and not just for self-preservation reasons, but also because your mates could have been barred from their own ground for years for bringing you in, if any trouble had kicked-off.
So I do blame the father here for bringing his kids into the wrong part of the ground – and being so-called ‘Brummie Reds’ just adds to the offence. Absolutely stupid thing to do; I can understand the kids being upset, at being removed but I can completely understand why the stewards had to do it, [and the father should barred from VP for life].
T&C’s
Tickets are for the use of supporters of Aston Villa (The Club) only.
The Club reserves the right to refuse admission or EJECT FROM THE GROUND any person who fails to comply with the Terms & Conditions of Entry.
Where’s the argument?
Oh poor Laurie and his little darlings get ejected because they happen to be in the home end celebrating a goal by the away team, what a shame but to be honest who really gives a flying f**k about the sensitivities of a trio of plastic Manc’s?
Good on the stewards I say.
I’m at a loss to understand why the club stewards did not carm things down by yes removing from that part of the ground to a safer seat, now what been picked up by stupid papers and placed into local rag, now an unsuspecting family going to see Villa at any club will now be targets, A woman started that with her mouth, how many fights in clubs are started by women? I lay a bet that Villa will now move in to the family and offer compensation, football is a game and should not be allowed to be used as a tool for fighting, them stewards are probably ex retired police, because that’s the channel of employment Villa took on Steward’s, you need people that have common sense you’re born with and not A and O levels
Bill I totally disagree with you on this one.
I bet a pound to a penny this Manc clown bought these tickets off the ticket exchange (they were flying off there like hot cakes last week) where it clear stated the tickets were for HOME SUPPORTERS ONLY so he knew exactly what he was doing but didn’t have either the brains or the decorum to keep it low key, what a twat.
As for reseating him and his irksome little sprogs, well no.
That sets a right dodgy precedent and opens a can of worms with every plastic Manc and his dog in the Midlands area buying tickets in the home end in the hope of buying reseated with their comrades from Essex.
No Bill sorry mate but f**k em.
*Being*
BWS, don’t get me wrong , yes a bloody stupid mistake if you ask me, but what I’m getting at is plain and simple, football is a sport, nobody should use it as a weapon, how can people hate someone in the name of sport, we have bigger things in life to think about, how do you think them kids will be now when older, I just hope people understand them stewards could of handled it better by taking them out and having a word with stupid father and not caused that incident to escalate, sorry Both but that’s my opinion.
Bill in the bigger picture you’re right but when it comes down to plastic Mancs I have to admit I am petty, vindictive and small minded so with that as a back drop I truly believe it should be a capital offence. 🙂
He he BWS ⏰
I still think the dad took a chance it didn’t pay off,he got what he deserved.didn’t some manure fans get into the baggies season ticket stand last game off the season & were sent packing pretty sharpish.maybe it’s a manc thing still a bunch of tossers.
I don’t think it was taking a chance giddy I think he was arrogant (or stupid) enough to believe just do it and act just how he pleased.
Come on if that was you or I we’d being telling the lads keep it down, well in fact I wouldn’t take that chance with my kids would you? With friends maybe but I’d never put my kids at risk.
This bloke’s gotta be a right bell end.
I agree it proves his mentality putting the young uns at risk & yes what a fucking dickhead.
I got two kids, and my wife wants me to take my son to the Arsenal game every season, (he likes Arsenal she brain washed him) I always tell her no, reason being home seats for home fans end off.
I would not put my son in a position where things could turn nasty.
The farther has a lot to answer for, putting his family in that position…
Spot on T32 just posted the same, the bloke’s a dick head.
Don’t get what all the fuss is about. If our fans won’t buy them then sell them to the mugs that will.
Totally Fathers fault.
Everybody at sometime or another has sat in the opposing fans end if in some instances it is the only way you can watch the game.
The rule is keep your mouth shut if you score.
The father should have drummed this rule into his kids and above all done it himself.
The club doesn’t care who sits where as long as they get the money
They’re Mancs or plastic Mancs. i totally dislike them except for one mate from Manchester. Not interested in their sob story. I really hope the two points they dropped against us is enough to keep them out of the top 4 come the end of the season.
Oh yes, and the dad is a prize nob
I know a several plastic mancs who are top blokes. I just don’t understand why they support Utd…
I couldn’t give a shite who sits where tbh. I sat with 2 Manc fan mates in the Holte, a Yido last season and a Mackem the season before (when we dicked them) All quiet and no probs.
Weren’t long ago we were all laughing at Villa fans at Wigan away “We sit where we want”. Didn’t hear of anyone telling us we were nobs, in fact the Wigan crowd thought it were funny.
It’s cold up there so they are grateful for the warmth
Gabby’s red card rescinded.
That for real bum bum, I hope the ref gets relegated, he stopped us winning.
Not sure whether to be pleased by that. It wasn’t a red card offence that’s for sure, but it would have forced lambert to change the team. We need more variation in our tactics and it has happened before that necessity has forced Lambert to change things with positive results.
I do believe that sitting in the opponents home allocation is wrong but in this situation I find it totally out of order. These are young children not exactly out to cause a fight for God’s sake
Well i am utterly disgusted … A family of away fans gets ejected from their seats for celebrating score …? are you fucking serious fellow fans? a sporting event? a Villa game?
a 7 and 9 year old celebrate a goal with their dad in a home fans section of the stadium and the problem with that is that the home fans might be incited to ….what? attack a family of 4? hurl insults at kids ? If a family of 4 are capable of inciting us Villa fans to whatever level of threat you think merited their immediate ejection .. the fault is not with them take a look at yourselves in all seriousness, if you honestly beleive that deep down .. then its time to take your head from your Villa arse for a few minutes and take a look at the real world ..
if we can’t sit in our stadium and let opposing fans celebrate their own team in our section … something is very wrong .. very very wrong .. I have been a villa fan all my life and I love the villa and Villa park, I can’t wait to get back, but there is something wrong lads and ladies if a family of 4 can incite you to hatred or violence for celebrating a goal …
I Have attended many different sports as well as football, including GAA, Rugby, and the most local of local derby games usually ending with multiple red cards and many a fracas ..
but I have never felt the need or urge to react in to the level that would merit the “offending” away fan immediate ejection, nor have i witnessed it amongst fans of those sports to feel justified in ejecting an away fan for celebrating their score in the wrong end.
unacceptable lads .. we are villa Fans but we are human beings first so are all away fans .. even in the face of the sheer, immense threat a dad and his 7 & 9 year old sons can pose …
100% wrong in my opinion to eject them.
Colonius81, my hat comes off to you, using sport to hate is wrong ,the blame Lye’s with the club and stewards ,yes idiotic move by father but to give into uncaring fans IMO bad move by our club.
Lie’s with the club.
Have you ever been to a football game C81?? By your comments it appears not.
Now for a social experiment how about this-
(1) Go out and purchase yourself a brand new Bournemouth FC shirt.
(2) Acquire a ticket for the home end at The Den for Sunday the 28th (or maybe 2 tickets, take friend or perhaps one of your kids?)
(3)Take your seat at the Den making sure to display this nice new Bournemouth shirt for all the friendly Millwall following to admire.
(4)Now this part is little more tricky as it’s reliant on Bournemouth scoring but IF they do you jump up punch the air and celebrate.
I hear BUPA do very good cover for around £70 per month.
LOL spot on BWS.
Now come on lads, you’re taking about someone that’s escaped from a Looney bin to do that, I admit we have football fans in all clubs that think the guy in a different shirt is the enemy, where are they in Afghanistan for their country, or is it to dangerous to do that, there’s men and there’s boys. Why make a shirt a gun.ffs. let’s see compassion in the game, in 1980s Aston Villa was voted as the most behaved club in the country, now you want it to be Green Street 3.
Bill there will be always rivalry in football,obviously someone took a dislike to the celebrations.these fans were obviously extracted for their own safety,we don’t know if there was some nasty banter before this & it could of got out of control.so for the sake of this family a riot could of been avoided you never know.that’s football for yer.
Giddy I understand only to well the pitfalls in crowd controls I did calm the holtend in the 70-80s down their was steward’s picking fights for fun ,not saying them stewards was, but saying it could and should have been dealt better, yes safety is Major factor ,but also see the other side of life, ie kids marked in seeing what went on at 7_9 years old by being ejected because of his silly stupid dad ,it was wrong in my book.
What a sensible comment. Some football fans need to change their ways. Its called a family section for Villa fans only-why?. Why cant a father go in their with his family and support a opposing team without the home fans sulking. Young fans should be brought up to mix with other fans and get on and be sporting
See Gabby’s red card overturned but they’ve charged Villa with failing to control their players (or something to that effect). What a load of tossers – the ref gives out a sh*t decision and our players are supposed to meekly retire 10 yards – give me a break! It seems that they are determined to nail Villa with something. If we were a Manc side or Chelsea or one of the Sky darlings……..? I’m going before I say something which gets me banned!
yeah i agree, saw this story earlier, asking players not to debate a awful decision is hard, fine villa by all means, aslong as they fine all teams weekly, cos all teams do this. if i recall the spuds game, were spuds players surrounded the ref, also according to friedel they talked about winding benteke up at h/t isn’t this worse. or young admitting to guzan, he fouled gabby. basically the refs should be fined for being conned
Happy Christmas Nath.
merry christmas giddy 🙂 have a great day 🙂
It sounds like the stewards behaved like arseholes, which isn’t a surprise. However, like it or not, football attracts a lot of complete fucking idiots. Kids or not, it wouldn’t have taken much for a twat Villa fan to lamp the ManU fan and then the lads would have been stuck in the middle.
Right decision. Wrong way to eject them. They should have been gently escorted to a more suitable part of the ground.
No they should not! Home seats are for home fans, very few football clubs have a neutral zone and there is a reason for that. You can’t have different rules for different age groups or circumstances, the stewards may have handled it poorly (based on the fathers story) but were completely right IMO to eject them. If you’re an away fan and can’t get tickets in the away end you know full well the chance you are taking by sitting in the home end.
To simplify things, all tickets should have a disclaimer stating that any fans in wrong end may be ejected if stewards see fit.
Jaymo83, its a family stand fgs you would be lead to think could be safe, but anyone with sense would think twice and not take the chance, again you don’t hate someone because he’s the opposition ,well I don’t, I’ll joke with them and take it from them, what my grievances are no compassion to a fellow human, you wouldn’t walk past a injured person that needs help now would you, them two kids will now be like the yobs of today because someone didn’t use his brains.
if it had kicked of with these kids present do you think the same media muppets would of been slagging off the stewards for not preventing a possible flash point i do know if it was the villa fans being ejected from the theater of knobs it wouldn’t have made the local freebe paper