Homophobic Shouting

[Razor]

Why would I delete it? It's not an admin or moderating issue. I just think it should have been dealt with where it can be addressed, rather than virtue signalling on here. Almost everyone will respond by stating how deplorable it all is, with zero impact on those that caried it out. It's makes it even more ridiculous not to say what was actually shouted or said. We are left to respond or deal with something, that we only have your word for as offensive. At least give us something to react to...

Right. First off, it's not always possible or practical to 'deal with' this kind of thing at source or in the moment. The perpetrator(s) were standing some way behind me in a packed terrace. I was stuck at the front having arrived late, and there was no practical way to get further back. In order to get to a spot where I might have been able to identify them I'd have to have pushed about 30 people out of the way just to get to a spot where I might be able to see them. The other point is that not everyone is comfortable with or deals with direct confrontation very well. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the situation gets worse rather than better. Everyone handles these things differently. In the moment I was mostly wrapped up in the misery of our second half performance, and slightly disbelieving at what I could overhear. It was only really after walking away from the ground and processing what had happened that I realised the affect it had on me and I'm sure plenty of others too. I'm not in any of the demographics targeted by such abuse so I can't imagine how people more directly implicated would feel. But even to me it made me question whether or not that was a place I wanted to be. Whether these were people I wanted to stand alongside and whether being a match going Cobblers fan was right for me. I've been going over 30 years and I've never felt like that before.

I made the decision not to publish what I overheard as I think these things are usually better not repeated. But seeing as a moderator is saying that it's ridiculous that I haven't repeated the abuse I guess that leaves me with little choice. A wide range of homophobic slurs were used such as 'puff', 'queer', 'bender', 'fairy', 'faggot', 'homo' etc. and they were aimed at someone on the playing surface.

You said previously that you're 'not cool' with me raising this topic on here and followed that up by saying that I'm virtue signalling. I have to say that I am surprised by that and I strongly disagree. I have contacted someone at the club in an official capacity to report the experience and to pass on my concerns. At the very least they are now aware that we may have an issue that needs dealing with. Additionally, it was apparent to me after Saturday that we could probably do with an honest discussion as a fanbase about behaviour and attitudes towards discrimination, particularly at away games. Other people on this thread have reported hearing discrimination on Saturday and at other games. It is much healthier that we have an open debate about that than simply ignore it or pretend it didn't or doesn't happen. If you're genuinely not cool with that, as a moderator of this board, then I don't think it reflects very well on the forum.

[SC Cobbler]

The other point is that not everyone is comfortable with or deals with direct confrontation very well. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the situation gets worse rather than better.

I'm in agreement with you here. You don't want to find yourself in a situation where it's you against several p*ssed up 'fans'. If anything escalated you could end up finding yourself banned.

I also think it's an interesting discussion and very far from 'virtue signalling'.

[Cobbler]

Not really....

OK, leave the comedy out of it (no one at the football is reeling jokes off about cancer) and put it another way...where is the line because everyone's line is different?
You cite homophobic and racial language. In terms of me personally and if I have a little un with me, this doesn't worry me anymore than an f bomb. My kids are as liberal as they come, respecting everyone from every walk of life but I used to cringe when hearing plain swearing around them. As I said, I've never sworn in front of my parents and I'm sure you are a product of your upbringing.

So do we agree that if someone shouts "f*ck off ref" they should be thrown out with the guy who calls the right winger a b*nder?
How about those giving w*nker signs to opposing fans? Half of the players would be sent packing too!

Or is it a case that you are going to football so you have to expect a sprinkling of vile behaviour, which will be the defence of many.

I'm not someone advocating a totally happy clappy environment but have never enjoyed watching football after a skinful, which is the cause of much of the behavioural issues and there were certainly plenty of games I wouldn't have dreamt taking my kids to.

As to your comment on Jimmy Carr (BOTN) didn't Chubby Brown used to say that too? 
I think most comics (Frankie Boyle, Gervais and co) will be deemed to be intelligent enough to craft their material, material being the operative word. It is up to people whether they want to laugh along or be offended.
One of my favourite pieces of stand up was Stewart Lee's routine about Richard Hammond's car crash...just a joke, like on Top Gear.

Many thanks for your wise words. Going forward I will just treat it the same as people using the F bomb 👍

[Zen Master]

See it. Say it, sort it.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

Right. First off, it's not always possible or practical to 'deal with' this kind of thing at source or in the moment. The perpetrator(s) were standing some way behind me in a packed terrace. I was stuck at the front having arrived late, and there was no practical way to get further back. In order to get to a spot where I might have been able to identify them I'd have to have pushed about 30 people out of the way just to get to a spot where I might be able to see them. The other point is that not everyone is comfortable with or deals with direct confrontation very well. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the situation gets worse rather than better. Everyone handles these things differently. In the moment I was mostly wrapped up in the misery of our second half performance, and slightly disbelieving at what I could overhear. It was only really after walking away from the ground and processing what had happened that I realised the affect it had on me and I'm sure plenty of others too. I'm not in any of the demographics targeted by such abuse so I can't imagine how people more directly implicated would feel. But even to me it made me question whether or not that was a place I wanted to be. Whether these were people I wanted to stand alongside and whether being a match going Cobblers fan was right for me. I've been going over 30 years and I've never felt like that before.

I made the decision not to publish what I overheard as I think these things are usually better not repeated. But seeing as a moderator is saying that it's ridiculous that I haven't repeated the abuse I guess that leaves me with little choice. A wide range of homophobic slurs were used such as 'puff', 'queer', 'bender', 'fairy', 'faggot', 'homo' etc. and they were aimed at someone on the playing surface.

You said previously that you're 'not cool' with me raising this topic on here and followed that up by saying that I'm virtue signalling. I have to say that I am surprised by that and I strongly disagree. I have contacted someone at the club in an official capacity to report the experience and to pass on my concerns. At the very least they are now aware that we may have an issue that needs dealing with. Additionally, it was apparent to me after Saturday that we could probably do with an honest discussion as a fanbase about behaviour and attitudes towards discrimination, particularly at away games. Other people on this thread have reported hearing discrimination on Saturday and at other games. It is much healthier that we have an open debate about that than simply ignore it or pretend it didn't or doesn't happen. If you're genuinely not cool with that, as a moderator of this board, then I don't think it reflects very well on the forum.

Firstly. I apologise for the "virtue signalling" remark. It was unnecessary, and unfair.

But in relation to the other stuff. I couldn't be either cool. or uncool with anything, because you hadn't indicated what I should or shouldn't agree with. So there is no need for you to even suggest that was my motivation. Neither did I suggest that you should take anyone on. I have never been to a game where there wasn't either a steward, or a police presence that I could report something to. Now that you have presented the facts. And I think we are all big enough to cope with them. Clearly their behaviour was uncalled for and obviously discriminatory. But unless it was a single barrage of abuse, it was imperative that it was reported ASAP, to catch the perpetrators, and to prevent any further behaviour of that nature. 

As a side note. You will come across numerous things that you and I might not agree on. It bares no relationship to me being a moderator. I am simply saying that I would have dealt with it differently. I'm not suggesting that either way is the benchmark for future action.

[gocher]

The sound of Terry backtracking is deafening

It's very productive raising the issue on here, knowing plenty of other fans agree with it's deplorability means there should be strength in numbers to call it out next time it happens.

[DavCobb]

I didn't realise there were so many ******* on here. 

Seriously, it is good conversation and is a bit sad that in this day and age stuff like this still goes on. However, as Manny pointed out, I would imagine anything you ever witness at a Cobblers game is rated 'U' compared to an old firm derby. Doesn't make any of it right though.
I tend to take the glass half full view of just how far we have come since people were throwing banana's onto the pitch and making monkey noises, although I guess it is totally relevant that there still aren't many openly gay footballers.

[Gustavo Palcrice]

Football support has long been outrageous in regard to chanting, shouting etc. I always found it hilarious when the IRA reference sprang up in terrace 'songs', the boys (for that is what they were) felt it gave them a macho edge whereas they were just embarrassing to most folk. The hate that is conjured up between rival sets of supporters is actually absurd as, at the end of the day, they are just reflecting each other's ignorance. Here lies the rub, it is all down to stupidity, ignorance and lack of intelligence and that is why less is acceptable today because, believe it or not, more and more people are becoming better educated. Only time resolves issues such as these.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

The sound of Terry backtracking is deafening

Well, it’s not. I have apologised for saying one thing. Which is exactly what I should do. But I stand by everything else I have said.

[Lizard68]

Football support has long been outrageous in regard to chanting, shouting etc. I always found it hilarious when the IRA reference sprang up in terrace 'songs', the boys (for that is what they were) felt it gave them a macho edge whereas they were just embarrassing to most folk. The hate that is conjured up between rival sets of supporters is actually absurd as, at the end of the day, they are just reflecting each other's ignorance. Here lies the rub, it is all down to stupidity, ignorance and lack of intelligence and that is why less is acceptable today because, believe it or not, more and more people are becoming better educated. Only time resolves issues such as these.

See, you can do sensible posts. And a joy it is to read and you've hit the nail on the head too. Keep it coming. 

[Tabasco Kid]

Just need one of these. Problem solved.

[Terryfenwickatemyhamster]

Just need one of these. Problem solved.

I’ve got one… 😀

[The 12th Marquis of Sixfields]

Just need one of these. Problem solved.

This always reminds me of the joke where a dad takes his kid to the match for the first time and after hearing a bit of ripe language a few minutes in says "look, I'll let you swear here but at the football only. Understand?" Come halftime and the kid hasn't sworn once. Nothing. So the dad, a bit surprised after giving the green light, asks him "everything alright mate?" "yes dad" "What do you think of the game?" dad follows up. "not good is it?" the boy replies. "Fancy anything to eat?" dad asks and the boy replies "yeah, can I have a fcking can of coke please?"

[Manwork04]

Right. First off, it's not always possible or practical to 'deal with' this kind of thing at source or in the moment. The perpetrator(s) were standing some way behind me in a packed terrace. I was stuck at the front having arrived late, and there was no practical way to get further back. In order to get to a spot where I might have been able to identify them I'd have to have pushed about 30 people out of the way just to get to a spot where I might be able to see them. The other point is that not everyone is comfortable with or deals with direct confrontation very well. It is not beyond the realms of possibility that the situation gets worse rather than better. Everyone handles these things differently. In the moment I was mostly wrapped up in the misery of our second half performance, and slightly disbelieving at what I could overhear. It was only really after walking away from the ground and processing what had happened that I realised the affect it had on me and I'm sure plenty of others too. I'm not in any of the demographics targeted by such abuse so I can't imagine how people more directly implicated would feel. But even to me it made me question whether or not that was a place I wanted to be. Whether these were people I wanted to stand alongside and whether being a match going Cobblers fan was right for me. I've been going over 30 years and I've never felt like that before.

I made the decision not to publish what I overheard as I think these things are usually better not repeated. But seeing as a moderator is saying that it's ridiculous that I haven't repeated the abuse I guess that leaves me with little choice. A wide range of homophobic slurs were used such as 'puff', 'queer', 'bender', 'fairy', 'faggot', 'homo' etc. and they were aimed at someone on the playing surface.

You said previously that you're 'not cool' with me raising this topic on here and followed that up by saying that I'm virtue signalling. I have to say that I am surprised by that and I strongly disagree. I have contacted someone at the club in an official capacity to report the experience and to pass on my concerns. At the very least they are now aware that we may have an issue that needs dealing with. Additionally, it was apparent to me after Saturday that we could probably do with an honest discussion as a fanbase about behaviour and attitudes towards discrimination, particularly at away games. Other people on this thread have reported hearing discrimination on Saturday and at other games. It is much healthier that we have an open debate about that than simply ignore it or pretend it didn't or doesn't happen. If you're genuinely not cool with that, as a moderator of this board, then I don't think it reflects very well on the forum.

Seriously with a name like Razor I’d have thought you would have clipped their ears and growled at them Vinny Jones style.
They are probably kids with a few beers in them.

[everbrite]

The sound of Terry backtracking is deafening

It's very productive raising the issue on here, knowing plenty of other fans agree with it's deplorability means there should be strength in numbers to call it out next time it happens.

Precisely, if there is one person prepared to challenge the ‘group’ plenty of others will offer support!

[everbrite]

Football has a habit of dragging up peoples innermost thoughts , and compelling them to shout it at the top of their voice. Particually if there has been a visit to the pub beforehand. There was an elderly lady who I used to see at away games. Demure, blond hair, purple rinse, hand knitted cardy, the full ticket.  "Sweary Mary" would sit on the front row, and let rip with a torrent of foul mouthed abuse that would put the young `uns to shame. Then put her hand over her mouth before saying, "did I just say that?". She never got thrown out though. One rule for nan, one rule for everybody else.
Thats one of the reasons that I never wanted Geema or Michelle sitting anywhere near me!

Mad Michelle her antics against opposing fans would breach all the comments by many on this thread. Total ineffective do gooders spouting the right political correct comments on here does nothing for me. If you can  confront the perpetrators and tell them to f*** off or similar. However I am afraid I like Mad Michelle! Makes some away games going badly worth staying!

[everbrite]

Anyone who witnessed discriminatory behaviour first hand on Saturday should strongly consider reporting it to the club. They can't condemn what they're potentially not aware of. There were multiple incidents throughout the game and as a fanbase/club we can't tolerate it or pretend it didn't happen.

Leave Mad Michelle out of it!

[Tabasco Kid]

Mad Michelle her antics against opposing fans would breach all the comments by many on this thread. Total ineffective do gooders spouting the right political correct comments on here does nothing for me. If you can  confront the perpetrators and tell them to f*** off or similar. However I am afraid I like Mad Michelle! Makes some away games going badly worth staying!

Its not just a one off with her though, is it? Its all the time which is why I find her irritating to say the least.

[Manwork04]

Its not just a one off with her though, is it? Its all the time which is why I find her irritating to say the least.

I stood near her a couple of years ago away at Poxford, the entire game she was gesturing to the home fans while shouting “fcuk off you c***s”. 😂

[BackOfTheNet]

We sat behind her at an away game once. There was some incident or other that set her off and she kicked the s*** out of the seat in front of her!