GARETH Roberts is joined by Professor Clifford Stott, a researcher into crowds, riots and policing to discuss recent events in football including the Arsenal v FC Köln match, the reaction to fans celebrating Manchester City’s late goal at Bournemouth and more.
There is a also a wider discussion in this free Cup of Tea show about perception of football fans and how that can be challenged and changed.
Excellent. Good idea to release it for free as it will allow lots more people to see the wide scope of topics discussed on the shows.
or they could pay a fiver and find out that way……….
Excellent
Superb listen that – and hopefully one that those responsible for the policing and stewarding of footy fans will take on board especially what the likes of Cliff and Amanda Jacks are saying and start or restart communicating and liaising with the fans who go the game.
Excellent guest. Would love a pint with him to hear him elaborate on some of the things he mentioned like legitimising repression.
As a 13 year old I knew people who had been at the battle of the beanfield and listened to their stories and saw the footage from the news. It had a huge effect of me as did watching the poll tax riots on tv. Later in 92 I was actually at Castle Morton and remember and experienced the fallout in the following months. I’m sure Cliff will understand why I mention the latter as it was a milestone for crowds. 6 months later I’d left England and didn’t return until after the millennium. There was a catalyst to leaving but when I reflect I put it down to the sense of oppression I felt including the aforementioned, the aftermath of Hillsborough, and being honest a couple of arrests for various things including at football. My point is I feel my whole life has been shaped by a feeling of being despised and oppressed by those in authority and the anger and hatred I’ve felt towards them as a result. I suppose I’m trying to reiterate the old cliche that if you treat someone like an animal don’t be surprised if they act like one and supporting the main thread of the show that respect is much more productive for everyone.
I would say when I returned I noticed a huge change in society for the better including at football but it was just more under the surface.
Apologies, but I told this story when Amanda was on. I need some new ones but I find it funny but also says a lot. I’ll try and keep it brief. At Anfield 3 years ago. Crossing the road. Asked if I wanted a ticket by tout. Said no. 10 seconds later, you’re under arrest for touting. Put me against the wall. Searched. Found season ticket. Asked if it was mine. Said yeah but it’s not in my name. Ok, it’s an offence to have a season ticket not in your name. Seriously, lol. Asked my name. I told him. He said you’re under arrest for giving a false name which I hadn’t. His mate came. He said very sternly I’m not interesting in the ticket things but if it comes back you’ve given a false name you’re going in the van. Came back I hadn’t and me and the second pc had a good laugh over it. But, I’d only been crossing the road by the Park pub over to the Kop and next minute I’ve commited 3 offences. I feel it shows the mentality that’s still there.