I can imagine this being a controversial point, but its something I'd like to see discussed.
Every club has its share of fans who are, well, tossers of the highest order. However I dont care about other fans but I do our own and the image they portray to the general public.
Barnsley at weekend, a couple of examples. On the train coming over, bout 10am, there was a group of 5 or 6 young lads and lasses having a sing song. Nothing wrong with that whatsoever. They were knocking back the strongbow's, which I wouldnt do at that time on a train but, thats just me. As the journey got on they got a bit more rowdy, started singing M***ch songs, and the Ryan giggs song a few times. They were quite a few elderly people in close proximately who visibly looked distressed and intimidated by the loud singing, language and them being drunk. The conductor came over and asked them to be quite and to stop drinking, but offered not to confiscate the booze. She (the conductor) got a fair bit of abuse, totally uncalled for.
It got to the point that the elderly people around got up and moved to a different carriage. A few stops later we all got off.
At the match, had a guy sat behind me, who wasnt there in the first half. Absolutely teared into the players, effing like mad about how shit they are. Spouting some racial stuff at Adebayor about elephants and his mother, when it comes to language it doesnt bother me at all but it was every other word from him, with it being a friendly, lots of young kids about and one Dad got up and told him to shut up. Probably happens at every game, one of those things.
Train coming back, im sat next to this guy on his own wearing the maroon and white stripe City shirt from some years ago. Tries talking to me, slurring like hell, and then falls asleep for the rest of the journey. Just as we're getting off the train, some nice looking lass (total stranger) dressed up for a night out walks past with her boyfriend. He grabs her, asks her where she's going, and says, "you dont wanna be with him, grab hold of my arm and I'll show you a good night" right in front of her boyfriend. They were only about 18/19.
That was just one match, but it really pissed me off, one thing that City fans are renowned for is our humour and just good fans to be around. Personally, I think the above is our of order and if this sort of stuff happens at every away game, I dont like the affect thats having on public opinion of us.
I think there is a time and a place, and some respect to the public should be given on public transport. Especially if theres kids and elderly around. If not then fine, sing away with all your cans, i'll join in, but there should be some respect for the people in the vacinity IMO.
Am i just being a whinge bag or do others share this view?