Thank You Guys (Wycombe Game)

[Thomas/Brock/Jones]

I took my 8 year old as his first 'away ' game ( living in hwy not far to go) and I didn't think just how the atmosphere must have been an experience/ bit scary as always in Fam North stand for home matches and have taken his friends who were in the ' other ' end at Wyc sat .
Really would have sat in the side and think its a poor show that Wyc don't let us have that option .
Had to stand on seat all game I was more worried if he slipped and fell so held him all match or got him to grab me .
Don't blame the guys having a drink and singing as that is what footy is about although as normal its a fine line that gets crossed but society isn't always pleasant and its a eye opener for him.

 

[horseman]

My take from Saturday where I stood in the middle behind the goal:

I entered the stand about 2.10pm and the youth section had already congregated behind the goal so my son (17) and I placed ourselves there then the stewards (who had OUFC jackets on although not sure they were OUFC ones) began to try and enforce sitting in your allocated seat (horse had bolted on this one)
Game began and the atmosphere was good the youth section churning out some good songs not all full of expletives, the Oxford boys on a bender song with Ainsworth, Akinfenwa and Stockdale inserted became a bit OTT. Once the Stockdale song was sung and he spoke to the ref the atmosphere changed and our youth element let themselves and more importantly the club down, I could continually hear seats being broken and when the idiot ran on the pitch, some were thrown and hit people including my son. No-one likes the Kassam but can you imagine the uproar if visiting supporters started smashing seats.

The worst part was the walk up the industrial estate after the game, I personally witnessed 2 proper fights with children around me having to move out of the way and looking genuinely scared. It took me back to the bad old days and is something I do not want associated with my club, especially when we are looking at a new stadium.

I hate saying this but if that is happening with smaller clubs then god help us should we reach the Championship and some heavy hitters (excuse the pun) are in the City.

 

[Roge]

I hate saying this but if that is happening with smaller clubs then god help us should we reach the Championship and some heavy hitters (excuse the pun) are in the City.

So, a lot of coverage of our fans behaviour on Saturday and I’m not condoning it. I agree with Horseman we will certainly face some challengers off the field if we go up. Some headlines from the last week in the football world. I'm surprised we got so much publicity

LEEDS CARNAGE, FANS FIGHT POLICE & IT ALL KICKS OFF at WEST HAM 2-3 LEEDS UNITED

Football Fights: Reading FC Fans Fights Kidderminster Fans on Pitch after Defeat in FA Cup Clash

Tottenham fans fighting with Chelsea Fans

 

[m]

Standards have fallen and continue to get lower in society in general, walk in any street and you'll hear the f + c word quite often from "Kids" some as young as 5 and these are tomorrows adults whose children will be likely brought up hearing such words on a regular basis and so it continues for Generations.

it's reached a point where Teachers cannot even tick off a child without a parent being on the phone or at the School Gates, School and in the home is where you were taught correct behaviour but that has been virtual taken away.

When I was at school if i misbehaved I was immediately dropped from the Football team so you soon learnt

But now people can be openly gay. People are less likely to be abused for the colour of their skin. Women can get top jobs, and do so without having to let the boss cop a feel whenever he wants.

It's always depressing to hear kids behaving as you describe in your opening paragraph but let's not kid ourselves It's indicative of a society sliding towards hell.

 

[Big Ron]

I‘m sort of mixed on this. Firstly, I‘m sorry to hear it wasn’t the best experience for the two lads and I hope they come back and keep your family association with the club going. My dad took me when I was 7, in 1971, and I’ve took my lad since he was 4, he’s now 16. My dad used to take a little fold down wooden stool for me to stand on and fellow fans would always make sure I could get down the front. Society was kinder, more caring, 50 years ago and I’m not so sure that would happen quite as easily now. Not a football thing, not an Oxford United thing, just a social thing.

The continual standing Is a real problem if you have young kids and I’ve had a few arguments with fans, over the years, blocking my lads view. I suppose it’s gone full circle for me as my lad (at 6’ 1”) likes to stand now and join in with his mates ! I’m proud of him though that he always ask anyone behind him if they can see, just basic manners and respect.

On to the language. This is where I perhaps disagree. Yes, it’s out of order but grown men swear, we all do, in emotive situations - whether celebratory or in disdain at something. Me and my mates can f and blind on the tranquility of a golf course when we miss putts so in the raucousness of a packed away end with your team chasing the game I have to forgive fans for use of the f word, the c word I think can be avoided though and that isn’t really for anyone ears at a football match. You know what to expect at a football match, it can’t really be a surprise to any of us who have been going as long as me and you have.

Anyway, I really hope the lads have a better experience next time and can enjoy supporting the club for years to come.

I don't disagree that the terraces are and will always be, a place where language of a 'fruitier' nature is utilised - I don't really have a problem with it, I like a good expletive myself. I think Joshua's issue might be with the sort of people, largely but not all middle aged men, gathered toward the entrance to the stand, where the swearing was largely to the exclusion of the rest of the language. It was hate filled and malicious, not humorous, celebratory or disdainful but embarrassing. The sort of people rushing the barrier and pretending they were being held back.

 

[Roge]

Walking down the road afterwards I was close to a group of say 50+ Wycombe fans being escorted by the police looking for trouble and singing the exact same songs Oxford fans have been accused of using now with Matt Taylors name. The language was foul and abusive as well, I bet their age range was say 15- 50. I think they enjoyed the police protection. Problems at football games have not changed it just doesn't get reported so much. I know this is not our local derby, but there is become becoming a deep dislike between the fans of each club. The "play offs" could be interesting.

 

[Manorlounger]

Going to footy has always been a venue to get rid of any tension that has built up during the week. Celebrating a goal, a win, good play but also berating the ref, the opposition etc when things go the other way. I would be the first to admit my language falls very quickly into the more "agricultural" level at those times, something Mrs Lounger is very quick to pull me up on when it happens - she has a firm grip on the "kiddy reins" as she always jokes.
Being in the SSU it is always a danger that someone could be offended by some words so I do make a real effort to remember, not always successfully. Away games tend to find us sitting with all the other away support and it is far more obvious that the crowd is mixed up with elderly, young, single, family etc and, inevitably someone is going to be offended or embarrassed. It makes me even more determined that the system for purchasing tickets for away games has to change. Either folk have the option to choose where they sit on the day or that option should exist at the time of purchase. Granted, not every ground has that capability (some don't even need it when they have two areas for away support - think Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion and others) but, it is just archaic that in almost every type of entertainment venue across the country that choice exists but not in football.

 

[Yellow There!]

In stadia in Australia, there is the option to text antisocial behaviour and its location discreetly and anonymously to well-publicised central number advertised in various locations all around the ground.

Has this not made it to the UK yet? I’ve not had to use it yet, but I would anticipate it is quite the problem-solving idea.

There are signs saying this in the East Stand

 

[Manorlounger]

There are signs saying this in the East Stand

They are displayed throughout the stadium. Whether that is the same for all the away grounds, I don't know, don't recall seeing any.

 

[Yellowmania]

Last time I went to Wycombe (3 years ago?) seats were ripped up then. Seems to attract our dickheads at that game.
Also at the MK Dons away game recently one bloke near me spent virtually the whole second half taunting a steward by standing in the aisle, looking up towards the steward, and then getting back into his end of aisle seat when he approached. This said guy thought it hilarious, he was in his late 30s/early 40s………my 5 year old granddaughter wouldn’t even find that remotely funny.

 

[WuTang]

I think it's far to assume you (original post) were a little naïve if you expected to go to Wycombe away and not stand all game. Obviously in a perfect world every away section would have a seating and standing area to choose from, but we're not quite there yet. So fiery, local, sell out matches are likely to stand all game. In fact, if you look at our Wycombe away crowd over the past 10 years of visiting, barely 2/3 rows at the front would sit, 99% will stand for 90 minutes.

I think that can be applied to swearing at football. In all crowds there are different elements of supporters as the OP mentioned, but football is a passionate industry. I have seen the calmest, professional individuals outside a matchday reduced to swearing obscenely. We can all agree or disagree with it, but at the end of the day it happens and probably always will, so I'm rather surprised you were shocked by swearing happening around you.

It's disappointing to hear you were put off by the experience, some fans live and breathe for those types of games. You may find an Milton Keynes away game far more enjoyable, one where there are plenty of seats to go round to allow you to sit, and one you can space yourselves away from others.

You can ask on here or probably even phone the ticket office and find out which games are suitable. For example, if you asked if Swindon, Luton, Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers away games are suitable for a family experience, I'd say stay well clear, there's a lot of tension and potential crowd trouble outside the ground. But there is lots of enjoyment to be had out of other away games.

Hopefully they don't mind giving another game a chance and they might really enjoy it.

 

[Bicester Yellow]

I think it's far to assume you (original post) were a little naïve if you expected to go to Wycombe away and not stand all game. Obviously in a perfect world every away section would have a seating and standing area to choose from, but we're not quite there yet. So fiery, local, sell out matches are likely to stand all game. In fact, if you look at our Wycombe away crowd over the past 10 years of visiting, barely 2/3 rows at the front would sit, 99% will stand for 90 minutes.

I think that can be applied to swearing at football. In all crowds there are different elements of supporters as the OP mentioned, but football is a passionate industry. I have seen the calmest, professional individuals outside a matchday reduced to swearing obscenely. We can all agree or disagree with it, but at the end of the day it happens and probably always will, so I'm rather surprised you were shocked by swearing happening around you.

It's disappointing to hear you were put off by the experience, some fans live and breathe for those types of games. You may find an Milton Keynes away game far more enjoyable, one where there are plenty of seats to go round to allow you to sit, and one you can space yourselves away from others.

You can ask on here or probably even phone the ticket office and find out which games are suitable. For example, if you asked if Swindon, Luton, Portsmouth, Bristol Rovers away games are suitable for a family experience, I'd say stay well clear, there's a lot of tension and potential crowd trouble outside the ground. But there is lots of enjoyment to be had out of other away games.

Hopefully they don't mind giving another game a chance and they might really enjoy it.

The real problem started with the Stewards demanding to see peoples tickets, I’ve been to every away game this season and I stand with all of the guys who normally sing the songs you normally hear & join in as I enjoy that kind of atmosphere, without them the atmosphere would be very poor. The stewards wanted to split all of us up on Saturday which created resentment towards them from the start, can’t comment about the things that have been reported as I didn’t hear them myself or any other behaviour that happened. What I would say is I believe that the stand was over capacity, as we had some young lads barge their way into our aisle who had bought tickets for the family stand to the left and somehow managed to migrate to the away end. Wycombe are tinpot in their implementation and handling of football supporters and seemed intent on breaking up the atmosphere as well as families too demanding they all sit in their allocated seats, anyone who goes to our away games knows this doesn’t happen and doubt it ever will. Stadium was leaking and my 65 year father nearly slipped over 3 times due to wet concrete & most seats were unuseable due to be dirty and unclean. This should be reported as well as all the other things that have been too. That stadium in certain areas isn’t fit for purpose in the conference, let alone league 1.

 

[Big Ron]

The real problem started with the Stewards demanding to see peoples tickets, I’ve been to every away game this season and I stand with all of the guys who normally sing the songs you normally hear & join in as I enjoy that kind of atmosphere, without them the atmosphere would be very poor. The stewards wanted to split all of us up on Saturday which created resentment towards them from the start, can’t comment about the things that have been reported as I didn’t hear them myself or any other behaviour that happened. What I would say is I believe that the stand was over capacity, as we had some young lads barge their way into our aisle who had bought tickets for the family stand to the left and somehow managed to migrate to the away end. Wycombe are tinpot in their implementation and handling of football supporters and seemed intent on breaking up the atmosphere as well as families too demanding they all sit in their allocated seats, anyone who goes to our away games knows this doesn’t happen and doubt it ever will. Stadium was leaking and my 65 year father nearly slipped over 3 times due to wet concrete & most seats were unuseable due to be dirty and unclean. This should be reported as well as all the other things that have been too. That stadium in certain areas isn’t fit for purpose in the conference, let alone league 1.

I'd certainly agree that there are a load of safety issues to be addressed at Wycombe, as Paul Beasley also mentions in his match report. Leaks in the stand, people stood in gangways (and others then seemingly pissing in the stand), seemingly only one way of exiting, whilst the new electronic signage makes it more difficult make an exit via the pitch , particularly for the very young, elderly and infirm. I was aware of these issues having been to Wycombe previously but Saturday certainly hammered this home.

 

[Sarge]

I'd certainly agree that there are a load of safety issues to be addressed at Wycombe, as Paul Beasley also mentions in his match report. Leaks in the stand, people stood in gangways (and others then seemingly pissing in the stand), seemingly only one way of exiting, whilst the new electronic signage makes it more difficult make an exit via the pitch very difficult, particularly for the very young, elderly and infirm. I was aware of these issues having been to Wycombe previously but Saturday certainly hammered this home.

home supporter(s) assaulting opposition players during the match , and TVP & WWFC are doing nowt about it ( home supporter physically pushing Gavin Whyte over during the 2nd half, which MUST have been caught on CCTV ..... surprisingly , nowt from OUFC either on the subject

 

[Wallop]

home supporter(s) assaulting opposition players during the match , and TVP & WWFC are doing nowt about it ( home supporter physically pushing Gavin Whyte over during the 2nd half, which MUST have been caught on CCTV ..... surprisingly , nowt from OUFC either on the subject

Never mind CCTV, it'll be on iFollow.

 

[Jolteon]

Never mind CCTV, it'll be on iFollow.

I watched on iFollow and saw both incidents clearly. No reason why both shouldn't be banned for a long period.

 

[Sarge]

Never mind CCTV, it'll be on iFollow.

that too - so why no furore about that assault on a player during the match?

 

[Sarge]

I watched on iFollow and saw both incidents clearly. No reason why both shouldn't be banned for a long period.

agree 100% ..... yet NOTHING from the powers that be ( TVP, WWFC - Or even OUFC) ???

 

[Jolteon]

agree 100% ..... yet NOTHING from the powers that be ( TVP, WWFC - Or even OUFC) ???

Not really anything OUFC can do other than complain about it. Wycombe fan in Wycombe stadium, should be Wycombe and TVP dealing with it. I'm sure he won't care if he's banned from KassStad!

 

[Sarge]

Not really anything OUFC can do other than complain about it. Wycombe fan in Wycombe stadium, should be Wycombe and TVP dealing with it. I'm sure he won't care if he's banned from KassStad!

OUFC could, probably should at the very least, 'complain' to all and sundry - ( TVP,WWFC, EFL, FA - maybe others too?) about a player being assaulted by a home 'supporter' during a game taking place..... under ground regs (9-11 ) that should carry a lengthy banning order!

As someone has pointed out above it was clear to see on ifollow, presumably OUFC can gain access to the ifollow footage?