Regression

I'm sure most of you remember those bad old days when you felt a bit apprehensive about going to watch your team on a Saturday (or whenever). Were you going to get caught up in a screaming, rampaging mob of away "supporters" before or after the game. "You're goin' to get your effin 'eads kicked in".

There are really worrying signs that this could be coming back and I have no idea why unless it's alcohol/drug-fuelled or maybe some sort of inexcusable "release" post covid restrictions.

And the FA (?) in its boundless wisdom is talking about allowing alcohol sales within stadia and creating standing areas again! This just cannot be allowed to happen, certainly not at present. If the sort of behaviour just witnessed post Forest v Sheff U and Everton v Palace becomes more the norm then fences are likely to be needed again. Behave like morons so expect to be treated like morons. Good on the judge who rejected that Forest fan's pathetic pleas - ("I was drunk and besides how will I pay my mortgage if you send me to jail?") Vieira is likely to be sanctioned for his understandable fury occasioned by that Everton yob. He should not have reacted that way but it's likely he will get hit while the Everton yob gets away with it.

What do you think needs to be done? Is it enough to say that the relevant club will be punished for failing to control its supporters? How the heck can a few stewards or police control hundreds? Be made to play behind closed doors following an offence? That could be most unfair if it's the away supporters deliberately misbehaving so as to get the home club sanctioned.

Is this just a "football" problem or is it something deeper and more sinister?

I would love to hear what you think and non-Derby supporters are welcome to chip in.