working class hero Having sat all round the stadium this season I think it is fair to say that Y26 [and some in Y25] behave like stereotypical racist, bigoted, thick arseholes. The idea that they are indulging in 'banter' is frankly a nonsense. And when their cage is rattled they try to hide behind STAR - who have it seems tried to argue their case. STAR is then abused when the club refuse to change their [pretty reasonable] policy.... What a bunch of numpties.
I'm afraid the stereotypical racist, bigoted, thick arseholes don't just sit in Y26 so maybe other sections should be cleared out too?!
Sadly there are a fair number of stereotypical racist, bigoted, thick arseholes in our society and I reckon the ratio attending football matches at least matches that in society in general. I sit in Y21 and have heard racist comments made there. They're not just limited to officials, opposing players and stewards either. At least these people are consistent in their bigotry because I've heard a few remarks about our players too!
Unfortunately (or maybe that's fortunately) said bigots appear to move around a bit and this, together with the fact that I am trying to support my team rather than police the crowd, means I have yet to pinpoint one with sufficient accuracy to report them.
The 17 Bus I think it is fair to say that this whole problem is actually the fault of Reading Football club, and the design of the Stadium and policies implemented since it was open.
Why was a proper buffer area not in the original plans? Thye knew of the problems of having the home and away fans next to each other, and if they did not then they never went to EP, or any other ground at the time the Stadium was designed.
Why did the club never encourage the singers into a different area, and make it easier for them to be together??
This whole thing echoes the safety gate, a very rare measure at most grounds, but RFC decided that it was better to piss off many fans, as posted on this very site many times, than create an alternative exit system.
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But the club introduced this in the interests of our health & safety. And I have to say that, in doing so, they have assisted my health. Having to run right around the stadium after the game, in order to get back to virtually where I started from, has greatly improved my fitness!
Ironically, I am now so fit that I can run it in no time at all and, were I to be the type who wished to give the visiting supporters a good kicking, arrive fighting fit and in plenty of time to do so!!