I see that the football game between Millwall and West Ham was marred by violence last night. Around 100 fans were the subject of two pitch invasions and battles with stewards and Police.
English football has a stained history of football violence, especially during the 70’s and 80’s but in reality the level of violence has dropped dramatically in the last decade. England’s hopes of hosting the 2018 World Cup would have been dealt a serious blow after last night’s events.
I have been to games where violence has flared. Football is often the most important factor of people’s lives. It gives people a sense of belonging, like a safe tribal rivalry but often it can escalate into mindless violence.
For those children who witnessed the mindless thugery last night I saw to you don’t let it put you off going to a game. For those mindless adults who acted like thugs CCTV will catch you.
When they are caught they should not be put in prison or fined. Hit them where it hurts the hardest ban them from every ground in the UK. A thug without football is like a car thief with no wheels.