There's no room for sexism, racism or any “ism” for that matter in any walk of life, let alone before during and after football matches.
But the way most people (who have never travelled with fans) are feeling right now, it’s all spiralling out of control.
The fact is, this is 2019 and it’s crazy to think that there are still neanderthals spewing out their rubbish.
But it’s minuscule in comparison to what it was a couple of decades ago.
There’s no excuse, but because five Chelsea fans, or 15 West Ham fans are posted on Twitter singing racist songs, doesn’t mean society is heading towards a catastrophic race war.
Nor does it mean that West Ham or Chelsea should be brandished “racist clubs”.
The authorities will simply use these examples to totally “clean up” behaviour at matches.
Any song or chant which contains discriminatory or foul language will be banned.
This will follow (as we saw at Tottenham’s new stadium last weekend) the aggressive extraction of any fan standing for a prolonged period in a seating section.
Again, no room for racism, homophobia and the likes, but let’s simply ban the people who are doing it and the last dying embers of the hooligan past will finally be eradicated.
Difficult to word this without giving the wrong impression, but what we will eventually be left with (as I’ve been saying for a few years now) is emotionless stadiums, full of middle-class twats taking pics on their iPhones.
Little or no atmosphere, just a show, just a money-making platform for players and clubs who don’t give a s*** about “real” supporters.
What the FA and owners see now is a gilt-edged, ever-expanding business and they’re going balls to the wall to make it work.
Which means (like caustic soda down a drain pipe) removing every and anything that doesn’t equate to maximising profits.
What about banning songs like “Chelsea Celebrate Munich 58”?
Surely that type of provocative chant should be banned?
But there’s no vulgar or racist words.
UNLUCKY: Eden Hazard against Liverpool. Photo: Rui Vieira/AP.
The Premier League, once the world’s greatest football experience, will be reduced to that garbage we endure at the top end of La Liga - 22 world class players, playing boring “ultimate” football to a global audience of people who also love the Red Sox and F1.
Totally soulless, sport without meaning, it’s no wonder lower league football has seen increasing popularity over the last few years in England.
Somewhere to have a bit of banter, watch a proper 50/50 and enjoy a day out with the lads.
Could the sudden popularity of club rugby in the Premiership is also a consequence?
Annnnyyyyyway, as it stands, there’s been some pretty exciting stuff happening of late and it doesn’t seem like abating.
Poor old Ole, couldn’t believe his side actually won against West Ham, they really were very ordinary and the Hammers should have left Old Trafford with at least a point, if not all three.
Reality is hitting and I’m not sure he feels as free and confident as he was a month ago.
Big job, biiiiiiig job.
City made straightforward work of Palace in the end and Liverpool overcame a strong Chelsea performance to keep the pressure at the boiling point at the top.
I wasn’t disappointed with the way the Blues went about their work on Sunday.
On another day, Eden Hazard could have poached those two in two minutes and the result could have swung our way. But Mo Salah’s goal what the f*** was that!
Looking at the remaining fixtures, Liverpool should have it in the bag. I just can’t bring myself to imagine, dream or even contemplate them getting over the line though.
Why is that? It’s not because Liverpool are generally a hated club and I don’t think its about their recent history.
I just can’t see City NOT doing it.
Oh well, back to Champions League Tuesday, United go to Barca and Wednesday, Liverpool and City stretch their squads for a place in the semis!