Safety First?

[Conroy]

Got into the match a good 30-minutes before kick off today, sat in H Block, Row Q behind the temporary goal.

During Bristol City warm up shooting practice a lot of the shots were going awry; in particular one hit a young woman and more worryingly an elderly gent who was talking to his mate copped the ball full pelt in the side of the head and was later taken away by the paramedics.

It is my opinion that during warm ups when people are not focused on the pitch that a protective mesh needs to be placed behind the temporary goal to stop what could end up being a serious injury.

I don't know if Foxy or Linz can put this forward at the next SLO meeting?

 

[shorehamview]

Perhaps the club could sue those hit by flying balls for negligence. After all, if you're meandering about in an area where footballs often arrive at a high velocity then if you don't keep an eye out for said spherical missiles then it's more than a touch of being your own fault if you get clattered.

Not really. I've every sympathy for anyone who gets clonked with a football but given the shooting prowess of some of our team then the entire Kop end would need netting putting up, probably at tremendous cost. Or perhaps each shot that doesn't go on target could result in the guilty player paying a fine, the proceeds of which could pay for the netting. That might make it affordable.

 

[SwissBlade]

It always amazes me that people are surprised when they get hit by the ball. "Ooh where did that come from".... Erm it'll be the pitch where the third division strikers, midfielders and defenders are taking pot shots at a goal...

I hope those that were hit are ok, but they need to be aware of flying balls!

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

The point Conroy is making is about pre-match practice sessions.

During the match we spectators are (generally) watching them play so we can see the ball if it comes our way and can take preventative measures - or try and catch it!

Pre-match we generally aren't watching the practice that's going on.

Fair point , Conroy

 

[SwissBlade]

The point Conroy is making is about pre-match practice sessions.

During the match we spectators are (generally) watching them play so we can see the ball if it comes our way and can take preventative measures - or try and catch it!

Pre-match we generally aren't watching the practice that's going on.

Fair point , Conroy

Yeah I understood that fully... The bit of pre match practice where the whole team fires balls at a goal one after another. I could understand people not watching during the game as it's a great time to sleep, especially with yesterday's atmosphere

 

[More Bladier than thou]

when i was a kid i took 1 in the face from jan fjortoft. he gave me his shirt after the game. point is, pay attention and if you do get hit, do not spill your bovril !

 

[JohnDenver]

Unfortunate as it is, should cricket stands be netted off in case of sixes being struck?

Nope. Case solved.

 

[WhiteHawk]

Or perhaps each shot that doesn't go on target could result in the guilty player paying a fine, the proceeds of which could pay for the netting. That might make it affordable.

Great idea. It wouldn't take long for them to be able to start hitting shots on target!

 

[Conroy]

Unfortunate as it is, should cricket stands be netted off in case of sixes being struck?

Nope. Case solved.

No, because most people are focused on the game, but when they are practicing they play in.........the nets. Because they are playing with multiple balls and people are doing other things.

Other grounds and clubs do it, Shrewsbury for example.

The other unfortunate thing is the Bristol City didn't keep up that shooting form!

 

[metalblade]

I find it strange that players who have all week to practice need to have 30 minutes kicking into or rather at a portable set of goals before a game. You would never see this in the 70's a few minutes after the teams came out were all that were needed and the likes of Woodward and Currie could hit a ball far better than today's lot with their fancy boots and light weight match balls. God help anyone getting in the way of a Woody shot with a proper casey

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Unfortunate as it is, should cricket stands be netted off in case of sixes being struck?

Nope. Case solved.

Come on JD, totally different scenario.

The cricket ball doesn't come at you from 20 metres away and you have plenty of time to watch the graceful arc of the leather projectile as it soars through the heavens ...

 

[JohnDenver]

Come on JD, totally different scenario.

The cricket ball doesn't come at you from 20 metres away and you have plenty of time to watch the graceful arc of the leather projectile as it soars through the heavens ...

I've been scouring youtube in vain for a clip from a recent England one dayer at Lords. This poor lass was watching avidly but still wore a Joss Butler cut shot square on the forehead. She took it like trouper for a few seconds then I think the alcohol stopped working and she ran off.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

I've been scouring youtube in vain for a clip from a recent England one dayer at Lords. This poor lass was watching avidly but still wore a Joss Butler cut shot square on the forehead. She took it like trouper for a few seconds then I think the alcohol stopped working and she ran off.

I remember playing cricket on the Isle of Wight and I hit the ball in the air - the fielder watched it and then completely missed the ball and it got him right on the eyebrow.

As per the young lady you mention, there was a heartbeat of silence until the blood started pumping ...