I saw some of the trouble in the Stretford end, didn't see what started it but it made me glad I didn't take my family with me. I sat in the North West Corner with Leeds fans to the right of us and we had no trouble, no antagonising of each other when our team scored. At the end of the game when we were leaving congratulations were exchanged and best wishes given to the Rhinos fans which is how it should be in our great game.
This was my first GF in the SL era and the atmosphere was a tense one throughout the game totally different to the playoffs pre SL era which I attended on a regular basis.
As for moving the kickoff forward, will this really help I remember the trouble in the Warrington end at Wembley 2010 rival fans fighting once again.
Considering the ground is so 'big' I felt hemmed in and claustrophobic and had to sit forward just to get a decent view. And we were not in the cheaper seats either.
I had a great time at thenGF and never saw any trouble, loved the atmosphere and leeds out played us for the win.
I used to go the GF as a neutral until about 3 years ago. There's just so much tension built up around the last game of the season and that resonates around the ground and the fans. Previously I've found it very intimidating and won't go unless we get there, as I like to wear my wire top but this just attracts trouble.
Personally I don't think that the GF is a day for the Rl family to go and support this great game, that is the challenge cup. The GF creates a unique tension and I have seen more violence at GF's than any other game.
Forget the booze and segregation debate as we don't get that level of trouble at other games where beer is in full supply.
The showcase event for portraying RL is the challenge cup..... If you want intensity and tension then go to the GF
There are plenty of JCL's at Grand finals, and the fact that people have been drinking longer also makes a difference. I know a lad who is a Leeds United regular and he said the attendance was was down for the game against Barnsley, that suggests that there was quote a few of the football lost at the game. I also saw Man City/Wire fans I know who seemed intent on defacing the home of England's most succesful club with stickers.
Quote="Mark"There are plenty of JCL's at Grand finals, and the fact that people have been drinking longer also makes a difference. I know a lad who is a Leeds United regular and he said the attendance was was down for the game against Barnsley, that suggests that there was quote a few of the football lost at the game. I also saw Man City/Wire fans I know who seemed intent on [size=150[udefacing the home of England's most succesful club with stickers[/u[/size.'"
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