Quote Lupset_Airport="Lupset_Airport"There was none at Wakefield tonight, hence the trouble. But if fans had mingled even more freely, which would have happened without the go North campaign, then the spats would have been far worse,.'"
I'm afraid I can't agree with that. Segregation is a last resort if you have lost control, a la Fussball. Deliberately grouping together sets of fans increases the tension and likelihood of trouble. People resist being herded and restricted, and putting all the idiots in one place in close proximity to each other is a mistake.
Segregation at BV just won't work due to it's layout and design. The only way it can work is in a purpose-built stadium or one with discrete stands or areas. If you start fencing off parts of BV you have further safety issues with exits etc.
Make no mistake, the problems last night were caused by idiots and alcohol. This was exacerbated by the half-hearted and failed attempt to segregate. There was no way this could have been policed effectively.
With hindsight, the club made mistakes and were proved to be a little naive. It is a sad day in the history of the club and it's reputation has been gravely damaged. Firm action is required to show the public that there will be not repeat of these scenes and that BV is a safe and friendly place to come and watch RL.
The fuss made over the poorly worded allocation instructions combined with reactions on a, rather unhealthy, exclusive internet forum created a 'you can't tell us what to do' attitude in the small minds of the undesirable few. The on-running tensions over stadia and survival in SL have also had an influence.
At a time when the future of WTWRLFC was looking increasingly rosy this will be a setback and a stain on its reputation.
Should Newmarket happen, I hope that there will be at least one unsegregated, alcohol-free, family stand.