Reminder of conduct - letter from SUFC..

[United Aren't Back.]

Got the same letter yesterday, was quite concerned when first reading as i thought they might have pulled me up on something which i did at hillsborough on sunday...

Must be a mass letter to everyone sitting behind the dugouts because i didn't even attend the Norwich game

I am just glad the focus is not on the Westfield corner.. Ooops it wasn't me if anyone has reported anything I said. Honestly it was someone else.
This fake and partial sanitisation of the game is missing out actual violence and focusing on invective from the likes of me in the stands.
Even if Gunn was in front of me I would just have said my piece but in no way been violent. There is a line that I cannot cross.
And I am not on the moral high ground.
In the 90s I was warned by a steward as I screamed abuse at Norwich players and the referee in a 3 2 televised defeat on a Sunday lunchtime.
I felt ashamed that children may have heard me screaming.
In 02 03 v Norwich my brother told me to calm myself as I screamed myself hoarse as Ndlovu and another of ours, we're sent off. Funny how Canaries feature constantly isn't it?

 

[Grizzly blade]

Before last season, a bit of pantomime booing of the referee at half time was often the only thing worth standing up for.

I've been in the same seat for seventeen years and haven't noticed it any better or worse this season. But I get the feeling it's the club laying the groundwork for shifting longstanding season ticket holders from the prime seats they've occupied for years to give the whole area over to corporate. It was threatened a few years back.

In KMs interview the other day he was hinting at development. The mention of the statues being placed where they are so they are at the entrance to where the stadium will be after development was a hint that it may be sooner rather than later.
The club has to move with the times, and unfortunately the corporate market generates a lot more than you or I turning up every week.
I have to accept that as the club evolves to compete with the rest. If the club look to move folk from certain areas due to this then that’s life. But if it were me in your position I would perhaps make sure that if there was a limited number of seats in that area for fans like us, I wouldn’t provide the club with the evidence to justify moving me...let it be someone else.

 

[Sean Thornton]

When the officials walk off, non threatening booing and a chorus of "Oh my what a referee" is in order. Nothing more.

 

[boo radley]

I dont see it as that.
Officials of opposing clubs should not be verbally abused in the stand. They are in the home stand as guests of our club and should be treated with respect, as ours should at opposing stadia.
The players and manager of opponents are also professionals, and although I accept they will expect some grief from opposing fans there is a point where it may be considered too much.

That’s my opinion anyway.

As for new owners, there may be some new investment heading our way as Km and the family step aside and we as fans should be helping that, not making it harder by exposing his guests, or the clubs guests to abuse.
I think it’s a fair letter that has just advised an area of their obligations, without targeting the individuals responsible. But also warni g them that in future anyone who over steps the mark will be dealt with.

Whilst i understand your take on it, It has been happening for years. I have sat in that stand and near the dugouts many times. It happens at probably nearly every ground in the country. If they want a culture change then they should start by writing an open letter to ALL fans and reinforce it several times. As said in my second post on the subject they can also point out whilst selling tickets areas that they are most likely to hear bad language. Reminding loyal supporters(those that have had letters) that they may be 'looked at' during a game to see if they are misbehaving would be quite riling.

 

[Grizzly blade]

I am just glad the focus is not on the Westfield corner.. Ooops it wasn't me if anyone has reported anything I said. Honestly it was someone else.
This fake and partial sanitisation of the game is missing out actual violence and focusing on invective from the likes of me in the stands.
Even if Gunn was in front of me I would just have said my piece but in no way been violent. There is a line that I cannot cross.
And I am not on the moral high ground.
In the 90s I was warned by a steward as I screamed abuse at Norwich players and the referee in a 3 2 televised defeat on a Sunday lunchtime.
I felt ashamed that children may have heard me screaming.
In 02 03 v Norwich my brother told me to calm myself as I screamed myself hoarse as Ndlovu and another of ours, we're sent off. Funny how Canaries feature constantly isn't it?

Because it’s easier to locate an offender here, than one person from an area who threw a bottle...or assaulted someone without the aid of fellow supporters reporting them.

 

[Deleted member 1486]

Just received this through the post.

Sitting where I do, I could perhaps point out that Mr Warnock taught me all those naughty words and Mr Wilder continues the education

I think perhaps the delicate souls would be more suited to the Family Stand rather than next to the tunnel with the standard of referees we get...

View attachment 31487

TL DR version: Stop fucking swearing. Cunts.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

There was a bit of a set-to on the left hand side behind the away dugout v. Norwich but nothing out of the ordinary.

I do hope is is them that complained. They were a mardy set of twats and this would just be the icing on the cake.

Were these Blades fans?
I note that in most areas of the stadium the looks you get when protesting a referee decision, are like you have just landed from outer space. Sanitised.

 

[MobileBlade]

I wonder if SWFC will send a similar letter to their season ticket holders given that three and a half sides of their stadium on Sunday were consistently and repetitively using the word “fucking” for a whole minute and a half at the same time as doing some bouncing.

Not to mention the foul abuse being given by their fans to the Sheffield United team and officials when they arrived at the stadium?

I counted they used the word a total of 18 times during that period between the two goals. There were several thousand use of the word "wankers" after the Duffy goal mind you.

 

[DaleHillBlade]

were consistently and repetitively using the word “fucking” for a whole minute and a half at the same time as doing some bouncing.

But to be fair, they reined it back very quickly. I suppose that's because they are such well-behaved fans.

Or, if there was another reason, would someone like to remind me??

 

[Linz]

I dont see it as that.
Officials of opposing clubs should not be verbally abused in the stand. They are in the home stand as guests of our club and should be treated with respect, as ours should at opposing stadia.
The players and manager of opponents are also professionals, and although I accept they will expect some grief from opposing fans there is a point where it may be considered too much.

That’s my opinion anyway.

But the letter seems not to draw a distinction between abuse of people and general bad language.

Don't feel too sorry for visiting managers and players. They give as good as they get and have fished for a reaction more than once. When Wilder came in, the fans were told that we were to create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and I'm sure any opposition manager and players aren't hearing anything they haven't heard before.

I agree with you on the abuse of visiting officials though. I'm sure dingledog has a better view than me but I can honestly say I've never seen a visiting director abused by fans in the stands. The people on our block tend to be longstanding season ticket holders and so are used to the various dignitaries, directors and freeloaders and so I would be surprised if this occurred. I will make an exception for Michael Vaughan if he ever decides to show his face again.

However, if the complaints are about general bad language, I'm afraid a certain amount has to be expected at a football ground and Sheffield United is no better or worse than any other.

 

[Grizzly blade]

Whilst i understand your take on it, It has been happening for years. I have sat in that stand and near the dugouts many times. It happens at probably nearly every ground in the country. If they want a culture change then they should start by writing an open letter to ALL fans and reinforce it several times. As said in my second post on the subject they can also point out whilst selling tickets areas that they are most likely to hear bad language. Reminding loyal supporters(those that have had letters) that they may be 'looked at' during a game to see if they are misbehaving would be quite riling.

Perhaps fans in those areas are being trusted to be a little more responsible considering where they are seated and who is near them. The letter is just reminding them of that.
It is similar to someone getting into the Directors box as a guest, getting pissed, throwing up on the carpet and starting a fight when asked to leave. It’s not expected there or accepted. It seems the club are just extending that to the areas near the Directors box and near the dugouts.

 

[snootyfenooty]

Seems to me to be a fuss about nothing. In light of the events during and after the Norwich match, the club have probably been asked by SYP what they propose to do about it. The letter is a box-ticking exercise to demonstrate to SYP that they are being pro-active.

 

[Grizzly blade]

But the letter seems not to draw a distinction between abuse of people and general bad language.

Don't feel too sorry for visiting managers and players. They give as good as they get and have fished for a reaction more than once. When Wilder came in, the fans were told that we were to create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams and I'm sure any opposition manager and players aren't hearing anything they haven't heard before.

I agree with you on the abuse of visiting officials though. I'm sure dingledog has a better view than me but I can honestly say I've never seen a visiting director abused by fans in the stands. The people on our block tend to be longstanding season ticket holders and so are used to the various dignitaries, directors and freeloaders and so I would be surprised if this occurred. I will make an exception for Michael Vaughan if he ever decides to show his face again.

However, if the complaints are about general bad language, I'm afraid a certain amount has to be expected at a football ground and Sheffield United is no better or worse than any other.

I did think it makes it clear. It mentions “excessive” foul and abusive language.
Swearing is one thing, but when its aimed at a person it becomes abuse.
It also mentions this has been a problem towards the bench and Directors box. And don’t forget, over past seasons there has been abuse aimed at our own Directors in there.

So as I read it, it’s not saying you can’t swear. It’s much more prevalent than it used to be these days anyway. But verbally abusing which could be deemed threatening, isn’t acceptable. And to me, it seems that this isn’t what has happened.

As for the players.....they are pro. They know it’s coming and generally get on with it. But I guess someone may have gone too far.

 

[Linz]

Were these Blades fans?
I note that in most areas of the stadium the looks you get when protesting a referee decision, are like you have just landed from outer space. Sanitised.

Yeah, but from the mass reaction of a section of Blades fans, I'd suggest something was done or said by the away bench which riled them.

Quid pro quo.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

In KMs interview the other day he was hinting at development. The mention of the statues being placed where they are so they are at the entrance to where the stadium will be after development was a hint that it may be sooner rather than later.
The club has to move with the times, and unfortunately the corporate market generates a lot more than you or I turning up every week.
I have to accept that as the club evolves to compete with the rest. If the club look to move folk from certain areas due to this then that’s life. But if it were me in your position I would perhaps make sure that if there was a limited number of seats in that area for fans like us, I wouldn’t provide the club with the evidence to justify moving me...let it be someone else.

If I was in that position and some corporate toss pot told me I was moving it would be goodbye season ticket.

 

[SouthEssexBlade]

I smell an ulterior motive here.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Perhaps fans in those areas are being trusted to be a little more responsible considering where they are seated and who is near them. The letter is just reminding them of that.
It is similar to someone getting into the Directors box as a guest, getting pissed, throwing up on the carpet and starting a fight when asked to leave. It’s not expected there or accepted. It seems the club are just extending that to the areas near the Directors box and near the dugouts.

Why is a Norwich millionaire, a director with a silver spoon in his geriatric mouth, more important than a fan with two children, who objects to foul language?
I know who I have sympathy for. Up to a point.

 

[HodgysBrokenThumb]

You joke, but...

You mean you 've informed the mods...?

 

[stringer]

You mean you 've informed the mods...?

I've told my wall instead

 

[Karaoke Blade]

Perhaps fans in those areas are being trusted to be a little more responsible considering where they are seated and who is near them. The letter is just reminding them of that.
It is similar to someone getting into the Directors box as a guest, getting pissed, throwing up on the carpet and starting a fight when asked to leave. It’s not expected there or accepted. It seems the club are just extending that to the areas near the Directors box and near the dugouts.

I sit on the kop. If I was pissed, threw up and started a fight, I'd expect to be thrown out too.

 

[Linz]

I did think it makes it clear. It mentions “excessive” foul and abusive language.

Define "excessive" on a scale of Mary Whitehouse to Malcolm Tucker... it's completely subjective.

No more SWFIUA?

"As you blummin' well should" swing a pig?

And if referees don't want to be called "useless twats" perhaps they shouldn't act like it?

Anyway, The Star article ("in a letter seen by The Star" lol) it says that visiting directors were abused, the discouragement of such is fair enough in my book (if indeed, it happened). Perhaps the letter to everyone in the South Stand is perhaps a touch heavy handed though. Surely they could use their super-dooper CCTV retrospectively to caution the individuals concerned and save on the postage?

 

[Toronto Blade]

I don't know many true sports where fans don't vent their frustrations at refs or frustrating tactics used by opposition players.
As for the letter,I hope a similar letter is posted at the sty where all sides use expletives in their bouncy castle song.As well as a protected area where home fans are not allowed anywhere near a visiting team bus or players, making players having to pass through that gauntlet is a disgrace.
As for Blades fans they should all sit in their seats, wave to the officials and clap a maximum of two hand claps for every Blade goal.

 

[Sheffsteel]

Seems to me to be a fuss about nothing. In light of the events during and after the Norwich match, the club have probably been asked by SYP what they propose to do about it. The letter is a box-ticking exercise to demonstrate to SYP that they are being pro-active.

That’s my view too.

I can’t believe it’s a serious letter.
However of course extreme unprovoked abuse towards individuals should be acted upon.
But warn the individuals involved.

 

[Treeton Blade]

Jurgen has run out of areas of the ground to make `sterile`, so has to fill his days somehow.

 

[Grizzly blade]

If I was in that position and some corporate toss pot told me I was moving it would be goodbye season ticket.

Up to you of course.
But would be cutting off your own nose to spite your face if you ask me.

 

[ucandomagic]

Hmm

Trapped on a tram - marched to the ground - miss 2 goals - held in the ground - herded onto a tram - now formally warned what I can and can't say.

All Pigs are equal Mr Orwell. Who's freedom am I living?

 

[sitwell]

If you want to hear proper swearing and violence Im predicting IKEA tomorrow.

 

[Grizzly blade]

That’s my view too.

I can’t believe it’s a serious letter.
However of course extreme unprovoked abuse towards individuals should be acted upon.
But warn the individuals involved.

Good point.
We have had a fair bit of negative press recently with regards behaviour of the few that leads to the tarnish of many.

 

[stringer]

"in a letter seen by The Star" lol

You weren't the only one to receive one

 

[Grizzly blade]

Define "excessive" on a scale of Mary Whitehouse to Malcolm Tucker... it's completely subjective.

No more SWFIUA?

"As you blummin' well should" swing a pig?

And if referees don't want to be called "useless twats" perhaps they shouldn't act like it?

Anyway, The Star article ("in a letter seen by The Star" lol) it says that visiting directors were abused, the discouragement of such is fair enough in my book (if indeed, it happened). Perhaps the letter to everyone in the South Stand is perhaps a touch heavy handed though. Surely they could use their super-dooper CCTV retrospectively to caution the individuals concerned and save on the postage?

As I say swearing as such I don't think is the issue But directing it at individuals, and abuse doesn't necessarily have to include swearing of course.

But it would be pretty hard to identify who said what. Perhaps at the time identifying the individuals is the only way to do it. Hence the broad letter to many.
The letter is quite general and non specific.
Perhaps to be taken as a general warning that further investigations will be commenced if it happens again.
If everyone behaves as they would be expected there won't be a problem