That Night- 20 Years On

[Ads]

Filling in a document for somebody at work and I've had to pop the date down and it's dawned on me that it's been 20 years since probably the worst night our club has had at Villa Park for a multitude of reasons. The result, the opposition, that it was broadcast, the awful red cards, the errors, the violence and the general evil atmosphere that appeared to saturate everything.

Perhaps those older than me remember worse, Rangers friendly for example. But there was something about that night that brought is down to their level in every sense and there can be no bigger indictment than that.

[Risso]

C*** night

[OCD]

I thought there was something about the date when I saw 03 03.

[LeeB]

Filling in a document for somebody at work and I've had to pop the date down and it's dawned on me that it's been 20 years since probably the worst night our club has had at Villa Park for a multitude of reasons. The result, the opposition, that it was broadcast, the awful red cards, the errors, the violence and the general evil atmosphere that appeared to saturate everything.

Perhaps those older than me remember worse, Rangers friendly for example. But there was something about that night that brought is down to their level in every sense and there can be no bigger indictment than that.

All true, but I can't help thinking it was also the night many of them that had believed their own myths over the years got to the 'finding out' part of their 'fucking about'.

 

[Exeter 77]

One of the only times I've left Villa Park early (just after Gudjonsson got sent off) because it wasn't going to be worth the hassle at full time.

[LeeB]

One of the only times I've left Villa Park early (just after Gudjonsson got sent off) because it wasn't going to be worth the hassle at full time.

I was with my now wife who used to some with us quite a bit, home and away, and it's the only time I've left a game early because I was worried for her.

[Chris Smith]

I never forget the date because it’s my middle son’s birthday. We’d been for something to eat with his Nan and grandad before heading off to the match in great spirits in complete contrast to the way we were after the game. Easily the worst time we’ve had in all the years since they first started coming to games with me.

[dave.woodhall]

One of the only times I've left Villa Park early (just after Gudjonsson got sent off) because it wasn't going to be worth the hassle at full time.

Me too. And everyone who glorifies Dublin getting sent off should think on - that's what cost us the match. As Ads said, we sank to their level.

[LukeJames]

Those early games in the Premier league made me fully appreciate the later ones.

[LeeB]

Those early games in the Premier league made me fully appreciate the later ones.

The 5-1 win in 2007 was the icing on an incredible few days of fun debauchery for me

[Risso]

One of the only times I've left Villa Park early (just after Gudjonsson got sent off) because it wasn't going to be worth the hassle at full time.

Me too. And everyone who glorifies Dublin getting sent off should think on - that's what cost us the match. As Ads said, we sank to their level.

It wasn't even a particularly good chinning.

[LeeB]

No, if you're going to drop the nut at least hit his nose and spill some bloody claret.

[Brend'Watkins]

One of the only times I've left Villa Park early (just after Gudjonsson got sent off) because it wasn't going to be worth the hassle at full time.

Me too. And everyone who glorifies Dublin getting sent off should think on - that's what cost us the match. As Ads said, we sank to their level.

It wasn't even a particularly good chinning.

It's a particular regret of his that he didn't connect properly. I agree though that had he kept his cool we could've got back into the game. 

[Nev]

This night makes a handy measure for those who want to know the difference between ourselves and the Rags. We hated it, they would cherish it.

[Ads]

Filling in a document for somebody at work and I've had to pop the date down and it's dawned on me that it's been 20 years since probably the worst night our club has had at Villa Park for a multitude of reasons. The result, the opposition, that it was broadcast, the awful red cards, the errors, the violence and the general evil atmosphere that appeared to saturate everything.

Perhaps those older than me remember worse, Rangers friendly for example. But there was something about that night that brought is down to their level in every sense and there can be no bigger indictment than that.

All true, but I can't help thinking it was also the night many of them that had believed their own myths over the years got to the 'finding out' part of their 'fucking about'.

 

Yes I agree Lee. I think it was a double edged sword of those on their side believing all the nonsense (upper Witton Lane man certainly finding out the hard way) and our side wanting to disprove it.