Dreadful scenes at last summer’s Euros final gave way to a season marred by pitch invasions, projectile-throwing, assaults on players, racial abuse and drug-fuelled violence outside grounds which saw a big leap in arrests.
And although excuses were offered , such as clubs struggling to recruit stewards, a euphoric post-pandemic sense of release, social media ratcheting up hate, the truth is that a very small minority are dragging the reputation of football fans back to the dark days. And we need to get a grip.
But as a fully-paid up member of dark days stretching back to the trainsmashing, head-banging, Stanley-knife wielding 1970s, I can honestly say that hooligan behaviour has never been less representative of the wider British fan culture than it is today.
Indeed, I’ve never seen so much good being done by fans, and such solidarity between rival tribes, as now exists.
This summer has showcased that solidarity.
Esta historia es de la edición July 21, 2022 de Daily Mirror UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición July 21, 2022 de Daily Mirror UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
RUSSELL SMARTIN'
Saints chief: I'm always under pressure & will be branded a huge failure if we lose
MARCHING GNON TOGETHER
Leeds star Willy admits mistake asking for transfer... now he's fired up to repay Elland Road faithful with Wembley glory
THEW BEAUTY
Josh in the hunt for trophies with Wolves... and England call-up
ISRAEL TOLD: STOP ATTACK ON RAFAH
UN orders halt as hostages' bodies found
Ditch the jet
Springwatch star calls on Taylor to set right tone by selling plane
For the love of our Girl Sarah
Aloud foursome in tribute to singer lost to breast cancer
Bliss Morning
Fern Britton says doing segments for daytime favourite will be 'perfect'
BABY KILLER NURSE LOSES APPEAL BID
Sick Letby's hopes of fighting convictions dashed by 3 judges
HORROR HEROES
Brit's frantic bid to save brave man in Majorca club collapse
Vennells told: stop talking rubbish...
Disgraced boss 'still in denial over IT scandal'