In 1973 I was living near Norwich and playing football most Saturdays. Our game was called off the Saturday Man U played at Highfield Road, and two of my friends, Norfolk Man U fans (yeh, I know) said let's go. We got there about 2 o'clock, and the ground was a sea of red and white. I kept saying to my friends that the West End would show up shortly, but it never happened. I don't blame them, where do you start when it seemed like two thirds of the 42,000 crowd were wearing red and white. Disgraceful, support your home town club!!! We drew 1-1, Brian Alderson, I think.
Ok ok maybe legged it but always came back.........Seriously can't recall the Westend being 'taken over'....thats from 78 onwards tho.....Chelsea had a good go and remember one copper in the middle whacking everyone who moved !!
Ok ok maybe legged it but always came back.........Seriously can't recall the Westend being 'taken over'....thats from 78 onwards tho.....Chelsea had a good go and remember one copper in the middle whacking everyone who moved !!
Policing changed at some point in the later part of the seventies with better escorting outside the ground and segregation inside the stadium and then ticketing so the possibilities of being taken over reduced dramatically but I still remember a game in 93 I think it was when Man United had well over half the ground at HR.
Prior to the better policing it was a free for all in some ways both inside and outside the ground. I know it is not PC to say this but I am glad I was about during those days rather than the sanitized version of today( not that I advocate violence) but as a teenager it was at times exhilarating and at times scary.
Things are different today like having to wear seat belts in the car or not being able to smoke indoors, all are positive improvements on the past and we are better for it.