I think it is done to ensure most bars are shut by the time we arrive back. OK, there is always somewhere open and those wanting a drink at 12.30am will find it but, imo, that's the reason rather than possible violence.
I had a very different experience in Lisbon this week. I was there with my two sons (25 and 22). Before the match we got off at the designated metro station and were walking to the ground along with a load of other City fans, everyone was in good spirits. We walked past the street lined riot police when one of them stepped out and deliberately bumped into my eldest. When my son turned round they grabbed him. Two of them then jumped on him and dragged him away in a headlock. I was warned by some of the other police to back off and not to interfere whilst they had a word with my lad, still in a headlock. Eventually they let him go. I asked why they had pulled him in the first place and they said he had given them an intimidating stare!! This is from 10 coppers in full riot gear with my lad in jeans and a t shirt who was doing absolutely nothing wrong, just enjoying himself with his dad and brother.Yeah I saw the guy screaming the civil liberties stuff. Totally pointless as there was no way we were being let out. I don't think Lisbon was that bad tbh, although it was painful watching them saying their prolonged farewell to Amorin. Having been advised to not get off before the last stop on the metro on the way to the match and that it would go straight to the City centre after the game, it was surprising our metro stopped at the "ultras" Station and let Sporting fans on.
Bratislava was about the best experience. The least said about that shithole Belgrade, the better. Vile place, vile people and vile robocops.
Sounds like the 1980's West Midlands Police force's annual reunionI had a very different experience in Lisbon this week. I was there with my two sons (25 and 22). Before the match we got off at the designated metro station and were walking to the ground along with a load of other City fans, everyone was in good spirits. We walked past the street lined riot police when one of them stepped out and deliberately bumped into my eldest. When my son turned round they grabbed him. Two of them then jumped on him and dragged him away in a headlock. I was warned by some of the other police to back off and not to interfere whilst they had a word with my lad, still in a headlock. Eventually they let him go. I asked why they had pulled him in the first place and they said he had given them an intimidating stare!! This is from 10 coppers in full riot gear with my lad in jeans and a t shirt who was doing absolutely nothing wrong, just enjoying himself with his dad and brother.
It was disgusting and shook me up to be honest, particularly when you are powerless to act and it’s your son getting mistreated. The riot police were pumped up as usual and I got the feeling they just wanted to start something for the sake of it particularly as I saw no trouble from City fans at all, either before, during or after the game.
Experiences like this do put you off travelling to European aways.
Sorry to hear that mate, I had a similar experience in Belgrade with a baton happy robocop. Running the gauntlet is part and parcel of the away day experience in many European cities nowadays, despite the extremely good reputation of our Euro away travelling support..I had a very different experience in Lisbon this week. I was there with my two sons (25 and 22). Before the match we got off at the designated metro station and were walking to the ground along with a load of other City fans, everyone was in good spirits. We walked past the street lined riot police when one of them stepped out and deliberately bumped into my eldest. When my son turned round they grabbed him. Two of them then jumped on him and dragged him away in a headlock. I was warned by some of the other police to back off and not to interfere whilst they had a word with my lad, still in a headlock. Eventually they let him go. I asked why they had pulled him in the first place and they said he had given them an intimidating stare!! This is from 10 coppers in full riot gear with my lad in jeans and a t shirt who was doing absolutely nothing wrong, just enjoying himself with his dad and brother.
It was disgusting and shook me up to be honest, particularly when you are powerless to act and it’s your son getting mistreated. The riot police were pumped up as usual and I got the feeling they just wanted to start something for the sake of it particularly as I saw no trouble from City fans at all, either before, during or after the game.
Experiences like this do put you off travelling to European aways.
A similar thing happened to me in 2013 and I wasn't even abroad! I was picked on by TAU outside Old Trafford after the League Cup semi and beat up before being put in the cells under the old K stand. Fined £80 for being drunk and disorderly. And I hadnt even had a drink since 17:30!I had a very different experience in Lisbon this week. I was there with my two sons (25 and 22). Before the match we got off at the designated metro station and were walking to the ground along with a load of other City fans, everyone was in good spirits. We walked past the street lined riot police when one of them stepped out and deliberately bumped into my eldest. When my son turned round they grabbed him. Two of them then jumped on him and dragged him away in a headlock. I was warned by some of the other police to back off and not to interfere whilst they had a word with my lad, still in a headlock. Eventually they let him go. I asked why they had pulled him in the first place and they said he had given them an intimidating stare!! This is from 10 coppers in full riot gear with my lad in jeans and a t shirt who was doing absolutely nothing wrong, just enjoying himself with his dad and brother.
It was disgusting and shook me up to be honest, particularly when you are powerless to act and it’s your son getting mistreated. The riot police were pumped up as usual and I got the feeling they just wanted to start something for the sake of it particularly as I saw no trouble from City fans at all, either before, during or after the game.
Experiences like this do put you off travelling to European aways.
It is many years ago now but Madrid away. A totally peacefull street suddenly erupted.I had a very different experience in Lisbon this week. I was there with my two sons (25 and 22). Before the match we got off at the designated metro station and were walking to the ground along with a load of other City fans, everyone was in good spirits. We walked past the street lined riot police when one of them stepped out and deliberately bumped into my eldest. When my son turned round they grabbed him. Two of them then jumped on him and dragged him away in a headlock. I was warned by some of the other police to back off and not to interfere whilst they had a word with my lad, still in a headlock. Eventually they let him go. I asked why they had pulled him in the first place and they said he had given them an intimidating stare!! This is from 10 coppers in full riot gear with my lad in jeans and a t shirt who was doing absolutely nothing wrong, just enjoying himself with his dad and brother.
It was disgusting and shook me up to be honest, particularly when you are powerless to act and it’s your son getting mistreated. The riot police were pumped up as usual and I got the feeling they just wanted to start something for the sake of it particularly as I saw no trouble from City fans at all, either before, during or after the game.
Experiences like this do put you off travelling to European aways.
I know that's true because I went to his aid and was battered by 2 of the bastards.It is many years ago now but Madrid away. A totally peacefull street suddenly erupted.
It turned out that a middle aged City fan, who was simply crossing the road, had been attacked by riot police.
The man was the Chairman of Leyton Orient, (if i remember his club correctly)
Nothing was done, 2 fucks weren't given as we are just practice for the riot cops.
Totally disgraceful but.....
We only saw the aftermath.I know that's true because I went to his aid and was battered by 2 of the bastards.
Mrs. Biggie was not happy when I got home covered in bruises