I strolled over to Beckenham Town FC’s ground this afternoon as Becks were playing SE Dons in the Southern Counties East League Premier Division. It has been a while since I attended a match and I was interested in how the club was faring this season. I found online that Becks were languishing towards the bottom of their league, with the Dons a couple of places above them.
The Dons certainly showed notably more organisation, spirit and skill in the opening exchanges. Once Beckenham failed to take two good chances to open the scoring, they unfortunately fell behind to a somewhat soft goal. They then fell further behind just before half-time when the opposition’s Joshua Bohui headed a second for the Dons (see main photo). A third goal for the away team not long after the second half began put paid to any Beckenham comeback and the Dons ran out a worrying 5-0 winners.
Whilst on a sporting note, I see Andy Burnham has taken advantage this week of his new status as PM to comment on the regulations pertaining to drinking in the stands during football matches.
I have been attending sports events of all types and sizes for around sixty years. Football, cricket, rugby, golf, racing, tennis, athletics etc. My first major match – to my recollection – was Southampton v Man Utd at the Dell in 1968.
My dad was a huge influence on my supporting all things live. He was at the first FA Cup Final at Wembley in 1923 and at the legendary England v Hungary match in 1953, yet also loved sport at a grassroots level.
At the same time I have been to hundreds of gigs, festivals and concerts. From Bunjies to Live Aid, from the Marquee and Blackbushe to the Albert Hall. I have experienced crowds and audiences at the height of ecstasy, joy, relief, anger, frustration, boredom and apathy. I have seen opposing fans come together in heartening unison and also witnessed head-on violence inside and outside grounds. Admittedly, mostly in the 1970s and 80s.
The overwhelming majority of people are law-abiding and remain so even when under the influence. There are however, some whose idea of a good weekend involves getting pissed and a punch-up. Or variations of ‘aggro’ as it used to be known.
This is hardly new. Football was attracting ‘roughs’ (an early word for hooligans) in the late Victorian era, especially to ‘derby’ matches. My grandmother, would you believe, even knew about them – she was born in 1875. I believe the old Den was closed for a couple of weeks in 1920 following trouble.
Meanwhile, on occasion, bands have attracted troublemakers. Sham 69’s ‘Last Stand’ at the Rainbow in July, 1979 was a particularly unnerving experience. Alcohol has been available at almost every event of note I have attended. The Who at Wembley Stadium at the end of the 70s? Supported by AC/DC, The Stranglers and Nils Lofgren. The only drink on sale was cider by the gallon. Cue major unrest in the late afternoon in front of the stage. Didn’t stop future concerts there, that’s for sure!
Whilst progress has been made, albeit slowly, with regard to the safety of supporters – especially for women and children – one thing is for sure: go looking for trouble and you will find it. Tread carefully Andy.
