As I was queueing to collect my ticket on Tuesday night I was subjected to, or overheard, at least five snide comments referring to myself or others in the queue as 'plastics' or 'Johnny-come-latelys'. Whilst I can understand - to a limited extent - the need to feel as though one was 'there at the start' or 'watching through the hard times', none of those passing judgement was familiar with my situation. None of them knew how many games any of the queuers had attended or their levels of loyalty.
Whilst I have no desire to post the history of my City-supporting life on here, I am born and bred Leicester (Netherhall) have been attending City games since I was eight years old (1978, so unfortunately I miss Nev's tongue-in-cheek 1969 threshold for being a 'true fan'), and have held a season ticket in those years when I have been guaranteed of being in the country for lengthy periods - including our League One adventure. I have not lived in Leicester for 26 years but have travelled back to my 'hometown' to watch my team from as far afield as Liverpool, Surrey, St Andrews and, currently, Hampshire and seen countless pre-season games around the country. After a nightmare four hour drive, having to jog to the ground from Aylestone Meadows and then queue for 15 minutes (missing the first 5 of the game) to get my ticket, I was about ready to lamp the self-satisfied, smug effers who questioned my support on Tuesday.
Although STHs should be applauded for their committment and direct and important predictable (financial) contribution to the club what right do they have to question the committment of others whose situation you know nothing about. How am I any less committed than someone who lives in Leicester and, perhaps, sometimes goes to the game only as a matter of routine? I probably spend more in my support of our team'.
Passing Judgement
posted on 11/4/14
Us and them.
West stand vs L1.
Prawn sandwich vs pie.
Loyal vs Glory hunter.
My whole point is this is worrying language. We're all Leicester fans. Why are we judging each other base on our habits in fulfilling that fan status.
This is like world politics being played out in the micro-climate of our stadium.
What next - segregation between home fans to stop fighting breaking out between those who like to wear scarves and those that don't.
Or is this the outcome of success? We can't moan about that bloke running the team or that lot on the pitch - let's turn on each other.
Make love not war guys.
We're all Leicester - let's laugh at those Forest guys in stead and their weird red uniforms.
posted on 11/4/14
Yankari,
I feel your situation is common, Do you live anywhere near Andover?
If I go to all the matches in the south it can cost more than a yearly season ticket. I meet lots of Leicester exiles who live in the south we all support the foxes.
I had a season ticket for 22 years but can no longer justify the expense and travel.
Just ignore the stupid minority your support is much needed and appreciated.
posted on 11/4/14
Well this may be against the grain but while I didn't enjoy the segregative chanting nor did I join it, I did enjoy the atmosphere after some of the fans, for whatever their well entitled reasons, chose to leave the stadium.
It seemed to make the remaining fans louder like they were trying to prove they were actually fans or something, the noise created was immense. And I hope it can be replicated in the premier league.
Last season I had a season ticket in L1, this season due to cash restraints I've been a member, and sat in sk1 when otherwise buying tickets because it's been cheaper.
Next season I'll be a season ticket holder again, because my cash flow problems have eased. Despite being there for my team through thick and thin the majority of my life, I still now expect to receive some 'glory supporter' banter.
Sigh. Hope I'm wrong.
posted on 11/4/14
Thanks all.
Inilesta - Cheers. I was probably more wound up because of the effort expended in getting to the ground. LCFC are 'my' team (though not exclusively, of course) and nobody would be able to dissuade me from attending games.
Downsouf - They were comments from people not in the queue; the assumption being that the queueing fans didn't have season tickets ergo they were plastics.
Hairy - Actually yes! I live about 20 minutes from Andover.
Dunge - I can understand their perspective and sympathise, to a limited extent. It is the judgement that perplexes me; entirely based on presumption. It's not for me to dictate the behaviour of others, however, it is a shame that we can't all enjoy a full ground (whatever its composition) and be unanimous in our support.
Foxello - I did read the threads created by you and Nev - they reminded me how miffed I was on Tuesday night and prompted my own article.
Mersey -
posted on 12/4/14
In my opinion, there are a few people taking the banter style chants far too seriously - I can't imagine anyone sang them in a meaningful way - I believe it was a bit of harmless micky taking, done in just the same was as we do with our mates down the pub
posted on 12/4/14
I'm not sure about that Danger, I think some of the fans were clearly aggrieved with supporters leaving early and were making their point.
posted on 12/4/14
Danger. In the main I'd agree. I'm happy to be on the receiving end of any banter - it seems to me to be one of the few places left in everyday life where it's acceptable. My issue was the level of vitriol included with the comments.
As far as leaving early is concerned, I've never done it but I have no problem with those that do. I'm just happy to be there, sod what everyone else does.
posted on 12/4/14
No banter or abuse to our own ever we need to satand together. I site next to a guy who religiously goes 5 min's before full time we might raise a eyebrow but that was it i think his names Nigel Pearson (monty python comes to mind )Judea peoples front SPLITTER
posted on 12/4/14
No banter what on earth on you on about, you camel abusing girl guide - There's nothing better than a bit of banter amongst the lads
posted on 12/4/14
20 minutes from Andover? Hmmm... you wouldn't be Salisbury's Leicester fan would you?!