Behind Enemy Lines

[eamonn]

Went to a Kaiser Chiefs v Orlando Pirates ( big Soweto derby) game in Johannesburg two weeks after the Soweto riots in '76. Silly. My Villa mate and I were the only Whities there and we were welcomed with humour, respect, handshakes and protection. Even got a cheer when we went to our - sit anywhere- seats. Except when we left the stadium and a bunch of Afrikaaner police arrested us and put us in nick for " inciting a riot" !

  Wheally?

[eamonn]

I sat in with the Chelsea fans when we won there in 98 when Joachim scored the winner. I was straight across from the away supporters. I never openen my mouth, not even when my then girlfriend hit me in the ribs when JJ scored.I dont think I actually spoke untill  i got off the train that I got on at Fulham Broadway. Sweet.

I went to Stamford Bridge for the last game of 2002/03 under GTII when we won 3-1. My brother was with me, a Chelsea fan so I was sat in with them lot. Really had to restrain myself when Vassell and Crouch tore them a new arsehole. Blew my cover when Alan Wright almost cracked the bar with a thunderbolt and Dion nodded in the rebound to make it 3-1. ''YESSSSS!'' A few pissed-off and vaguely threatening looks but as it was an end of season game with nothing riding on it I was left alone.

[Simba]

Went to a Kaiser Chiefs v Orlando Pirates ( big Soweto derby) game in Johannesburg two weeks after the Soweto riots in '76. Silly. My Villa mate and I were the only Whities there and we were welcomed with humour, respect, handshakes and protection. Even got a cheer when we went to our - sit anywhere- seats. Except when we left the stadium and a bunch of Afrikaaner police arrested us and put us in nick for " inciting a riot" !

  Wheally?

Sorry Eamon, don't understand.

[Pat McMahon]

I sat in with the Chelsea fans when we won there in 98 when Joachim scored the winner. I was straight across from the away supporters. I never openen my mouth, not even when my then girlfriend hit me in the ribs when JJ scored.I dont think I actually spoke untill  i got off the train that I got on at Fulham Broadway. Sweet.

I went to Stamford Bridge for the last game of 2002/03 under GTII when we won 3-1. My brother was with me, a Chelsea fan so I was sat in with them lot. Really had to restrain myself when Vassell and Crouch tore them a new arsehole. Blew my cover when Alan Wright almost cracked the bar with a thunderbolt and Dion nodded in the rebound to make it 3-1. ''YESSSSS!'' A few pissed-off and vaguely threatening looks but as it was an end of season game with nothing riding on it I was left alone.

I may have been near you, Eamonn. I was in the Upper Matthew Harding Stand for that game as a Chelsea season ticket holding mate had a spare. I clapped the third goal but kept schtum for the first two - people didn't seem too bothered as Chelsea had lost the FA cup final to Arsenal the previous week and I think they were just glad the season was over.

I have been in 3 sides of the ground at Stamford Bridge and the thing that always strikes me is that it feels so much smaller than Villa Park but has the same capacity. Even sat at the back of the Matthew Harding Stand felt closer to the pitch than the back of the Holte Lower.

[eamonn]

Went to a Kaiser Chiefs v Orlando Pirates ( big Soweto derby) game in Johannesburg two weeks after the Soweto riots in '76. Silly. My Villa mate and I were the only Whities there and we were welcomed with humour, respect, handshakes and protection. Even got a cheer when we went to our - sit anywhere- seats. Except when we left the stadium and a bunch of Afrikaaner police arrested us and put us in nick for " inciting a riot" !

  Wheally?

Sorry Eamon, don't understand.

Sorry, I had a Jonathan Ross moment. I meant to say ''Really?!''