As we're unlikely to see terraces again at football, this is the virtual equivalent where you can chat to your hearts content about all football matters and, obviously, Arsenal in particular. This forum encourages all Gooners to visit and contribute so please keep it respectful, clean and topical.
RoscommonGooner wrote:I found this when looking up stuff about Milan. Be careful, they may be drunk people at the match
A Night in the San Siro
by Kieran Beckles
Champions' league nights are a special occurrence in football. Occasions where some of the best teams in Europe are drawn against each other. Stars of the Premiership meet the heroes of La Liga and legends of Serie A. For any football fan it is a night to remember. The atmosphere outside and inside the stadium is electric. The champions league music simply iconic. It can't get any better than this for football fans.
Previous to the Inter Milan v Manchester United tie in the San Siro, I had been to one Champions League game before. Albeit a 3rd qualifying round tie, I had sat with the home fans, the atmosphere was good and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. I had been eagerly anticipating this clash between the champions of Italy and England for weeks. A glamorous tie, a rematch between two great managers: Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.
When I entered the stadium, it transpired that I would be sitting in the away end with the Manchester United supporters. My friend had got me the ticket. We looked for our seats in the away stand but struggled to find them. However a steward came over and told us we could sit whereever we liked. Immediately this struck me as a bit strange. Surely this would create confusion as the late stragglers came to find their seats. It also became pretty obvious that most of the fans in the away section were intoxicated. Some to the point were they could barely stand up. As kick off approached the stand filled up. Worryingly many fans weren't bothering to sit in their seats and were standing pitch side behind giant netting or standing on the steps. Blocking all of the exits from the stand. One unfortunate young boy was flung in the air by United fans, catching him with a giant flag.
Just as the match began, one fan decided to drop his pants and urinate on the seat next to an elderly couple. Encouraged by his thuggish mates, he was seemingly proud of his achievement. Needless to say the elderly couple were horrified. Half an hour later he repeated this loutish action but was caught on camera by the couple this time so may receive some punishment.
I have respect for fans that travel abroad to support their clubs in away fixtures in Europe, especially in the current economic climate. However I have to question their motives. Is it through the want of seeing some great football or just an expensive trip to get drunk with mates?
The seating arrangements in the stadium were such that the hardcore Inter fans were seated above Manchester United supporters! I can only gather that the Inter Milan hierarchy decided it was the better of the two evils, maybe due to English fans enjoying a notorious name as hooligans. Security on entering the stadium was tight. Pockets emptied, bags searched and a thorough going over by the stewards. So how can Inter fans still manage to smuggle in flares?
As I waited with the other Manchester United fans to leave the stadium after the game, the tier with the Inter fans above us emptied out. The United fans were taunting the Italians with rude gestures and chants. They reacted by throwing a banger unbeknown to me. It went off on my foot. The end of my trousers were smoldering alight. Batting out the few sparks, I noticed my leg was cut. The stewards and medical staff were helpful. Undoubtedly my ability to speak Italian helped me appear genuinely hurt. The worrying matter is there was elderly couple in front of me. If they had been hit in the head the consequences could have been far worse. I have contacted Manchester United, Inter Milan and UEFA complaining, with only the English club replying.
It just begs the question is a supporter not able to go to a football game with the knowledge that their safety isn't at risk. I have been to many Italian games this year. Only minor incidents have made me fearful. But with the aggressive atmosphere of the San Siro, the drunken status of the majority of away fans and the presence of violent ultras I was deeply worried.
It's a sensation I never want to feel again. Of course there will be chants, many abusive, and fans do get aggressive. It's all part of the 'beautiful game'. But on Tuesday night, it felt like the stewards had no control over the fans and their actions. Inexcusable. If this were the case at every away game in Europe, I'd prefer to stay at home and watch the football on my television in comfort.
RoscommonGooner wrote:I found this when looking up stuff about Milan. Be careful, they may be drunk people at the match
A Night in the San Siro
by Kieran Beckles
Champions' league nights are a special occurrence in football. Occasions where some of the best teams in Europe are drawn against each other. Stars of the Premiership meet the heroes of La Liga and legends of Serie A. For any football fan it is a night to remember. The atmosphere outside and inside the stadium is electric. The champions league music simply iconic. It can't get any better than this for football fans.
Previous to the Inter Milan v Manchester United tie in the San Siro, I had been to one Champions League game before. Albeit a 3rd qualifying round tie, I had sat with the home fans, the atmosphere was good and I had a thoroughly enjoyable time. I had been eagerly anticipating this clash between the champions of Italy and England for weeks. A glamorous tie, a rematch between two great managers: Jose Mourinho and Sir Alex Ferguson.
When I entered the stadium, it transpired that I would be sitting in the away end with the Manchester United supporters. My friend had got me the ticket. We looked for our seats in the away stand but struggled to find them. However a steward came over and told us we could sit whereever we liked. Immediately this struck me as a bit strange. Surely this would create confusion as the late stragglers came to find their seats. It also became pretty obvious that most of the fans in the away section were intoxicated. Some to the point were they could barely stand up. As kick off approached the stand filled up. Worryingly many fans weren't bothering to sit in their seats and were standing pitch side behind giant netting or standing on the steps. Blocking all of the exits from the stand. One unfortunate young boy was flung in the air by United fans, catching him with a giant flag.
Just as the match began, one fan decided to drop his pants and urinate on the seat next to an elderly couple. Encouraged by his thuggish mates, he was seemingly proud of his achievement. Needless to say the elderly couple were horrified. Half an hour later he repeated this loutish action but was caught on camera by the couple this time so may receive some punishment.
I have respect for fans that travel abroad to support their clubs in away fixtures in Europe, especially in the current economic climate. However I have to question their motives. Is it through the want of seeing some great football or just an expensive trip to get drunk with mates?
The seating arrangements in the stadium were such that the hardcore Inter fans were seated above Manchester United supporters! I can only gather that the Inter Milan hierarchy decided it was the better of the two evils, maybe due to English fans enjoying a notorious name as hooligans. Security on entering the stadium was tight. Pockets emptied, bags searched and a thorough going over by the stewards. So how can Inter fans still manage to smuggle in flares?
As I waited with the other Manchester United fans to leave the stadium after the game, the tier with the Inter fans above us emptied out. The United fans were taunting the Italians with rude gestures and chants. They reacted by throwing a banger unbeknown to me. It went off on my foot. The end of my trousers were smoldering alight. Batting out the few sparks, I noticed my leg was cut. The stewards and medical staff were helpful. Undoubtedly my ability to speak Italian helped me appear genuinely hurt. The worrying matter is there was elderly couple in front of me. If they had been hit in the head the consequences could have been far worse. I have contacted Manchester United, Inter Milan and UEFA complaining, with only the English club replying.
It just begs the question is a supporter not able to go to a football game with the knowledge that their safety isn't at risk. I have been to many Italian games this year. Only minor incidents have made me fearful. But with the aggressive atmosphere of the San Siro, the drunken status of the majority of away fans and the presence of violent ultras I was deeply worried.
It's a sensation I never want to feel again. Of course there will be chants, many abusive, and fans do get aggressive. It's all part of the 'beautiful game'. But on Tuesday night, it felt like the stewards had no control over the fans and their actions. Inexcusable. If this were the case at every away game in Europe, I'd prefer to stay at home and watch the football on my television in comfort.
Sounds like the fan would have been better off at home.
I do wonder how fans get flares into grounds, I am always picked for quite intense searches. In Marseille they patted me up and down twice and in Athens I had to empty my pockets.
Italy doesn't seem the safest place for away fans, not the place I would pick for my first away trip. Dortmund was great for my first trip alone, I went to Athens before but not alone.
How long were Arsenal fans held last time at the San Siro last time hopefully the Italians keep you for less time than the Greeks the first time I went.
_James_ wrote:Sounds like the fan would have been better off at home.
I do wonder how fans get flares into grounds, I am always picked for quite intense searches. In Marseille they patted me up and down twice and in Athens I had to empty my pockets.
Italy doesn't seem the safest place for away fans, not the place I would pick for my first away trip. Dortmund was great for my first trip alone, I went to Athens before but not alone.
How long were Arsenal fans held last time at the San Siro last time hopefully the Italians keep you for less time than the Greeks the first time I went.
When I was there for that epic 2-0 away win, I swear we were kept in the upper echelons of the upper most tier, for a good hour or so plus! They were nice enough though to keep us entertained, showing a few arsenals videos/dvd on the big screen, but most of the fans were just singing along for the most part!!
When I got back to Luton airport,
(flying with the travel club, catching a flight out roundabout 1am, coming in around 3/4am), had a few hours kip, and went straight back to work at Haringey Council all battered, with no voice though!! But was smug as can be , as me office mate Alan, was a spurs fan and had nothing to say!!
Was one night I'd never forget!! So make the most of it!!
Waiting when you win is good as the atmosphere is really good, standing in the rain in Marseille. I din't mind it started raining heavily as we just won.
But after loosing 1-0 in Athens being stuck in the stadium for just over an hour watching them mow the grass and take the screen nets down was very dull.
I assume also in some countries being friends with the security probably also helps the home fans get stuff through.
In Milan, Jonathan Creek was sat directly in front of me. He appeared on the video they were showing to us after the match. He got a polite ribbing from a few of the fans.
Received an e-mail this week from the owner of the apartment I had booked. He says 'my reservation was lost' and now it has been booked by someone else...
Batflyer wrote:Received an e-mail this week from the owner of the apartment I had booked. He says 'my reservation was lost' and now it has been booked by someone else...
So now I have to search for another hotel.
You Dutch have a bad reputation. He has probably let it some nice Englishmen..... !
Milan is a big place, and even on the night of a match I'm sure it can't be that difficult to find somewhere.
Batflyer wrote:Received an e-mail this week from the owner of the apartment I had booked. He says 'my reservation was lost' and now it has been booked by someone else...
So now I have to search for another hotel.
You Dutch have a bad reputation. He has probably let it some nice Englishmen..... !
Milan is a big place, and even on the night of a match I'm sure it can't be that difficult to find somewhere.
Our Wenger Out banner would make a lovely hammock.
