I have just read your posting with regards to the make
up of crowds at games. (Not that kind of make-up David
Beckham/Marc Overmars).
I have to say I agree with your sentiments, as I'm
sure many decent match going reds do. There will
however, always be a huge cultural difference between
a Utd crowd and sitting as a spectator at an American
football game.
One of the key things to me that makes/made going to
Utd so, so different from many other sporting
occassions, such as test cricket/Lancs games, world
championship boxing, even rugby is that sense of
involvement.
Although I enjoy these other things, nothing quite
gives me the same incredible feeling as say (Norman's
winner in 85), Eric in 96, last May! & One of the
reasons for this I believe is the make-up of your
fellow reds.
I do not condone organised or mindless violence at
football, in fact I despise it, and similar to you
(not in age..soz) I remember as a 12 year old in 1985
being scared shitless at Goodison before the semi, to
the point that we couldn't take our seats until k.o.
due to the barrage of coins, petrol bombs, iron bars
etc, being so freely distributed by those lovable
witty scousers...aw..bless them!....However,
supporting Utd is a far more physical thing in a
tougher environment than all other sports, which in a
mad sense adds to that feeling (poorly descrbed
earlier!).
I can only apologise for boring you, but I do sense
something going from the game. Wether I'm older,
balder (27) or what, I've travelled Europe with Utd
for 4/5 years solidly, my last for a while (baby on
way) was Florence, and there weren't the same
characters...60% cockneys who you feel were on their
first trip.
I don't know what my point is, as such but there has
to be a way for the club to combine the changing
face/atmosphere of football (families/meals etc) whilst
not leaving behind the less fortunately financially
families where this wonderful game has its roots.
Why should a dad from Eccles who earns £200 a week
not be able to take his 10 year old lads/kids to OT,
whereas a guy from Prestwich/Surrey/Norway/ wherever
has the options. I know thats life, but the
club/imusa/the FA/society should be aware of the damge
this trend will have eventually on the game!
phew!
Julian Butterworth
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