The London Stadium hosted Rugby League yesterday as England faced Australia in the Ladbrokes Four nations tournament. 35,569 rugby fans were present at the match which England lost 18-36 to the men down under.
There was no trouble, no fighting, no arrests, no segregation of fans, no throwing of objects and supporters were able to mix freely before and after the game without any barriers to separate them.
Supporters were allowed to drink beer in view of the pitch and both England and Australia players wore poppies without risk of upsetting the international governing body. Former prime minister David Cameron was among the crowd although he couldn’t remember which team he was supporting.
Lots of has been written about the London Stadium claiming the problems are a stadium thing based in the geography, logistics and layout of the stadium.
I think rugby proves what we already knew this is a football thing, the troubles around football tribalism have never really gone away, they have just been swept under the carpet away from the spot light from the media.
Rugby doesn’t segregate so this is no surprise.
Well there was fighting on the pitch between Hull and Salford supporters recently http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/super-league-million-pound-game-8957857
If you watched the game you mention Sean, it was really nothing at the rugby match concerned to what we have had this season, also the atmosphere yesterday was much better, it felt good, even with beer being sold.
Rugby League stages it’s final ever year at Wembley again no trouble at all!
We can all find one off incidents at any sport, but nothing like we have had this season, so I don’t think you can compare, we have a problem and it is toxic, I do not think the standing lobby has helped!
I noticed that they allowed the crowd to drink in the stands – does that prove that drink isn’t the problem either?
No, it’s all about the stupid tribal mentality of a small minority of moronic fans – why can’t you support your team without ‘hating’ other teams – it’s beyond me!
It is against the law to drink in view of the pitch at football only, a requirement from the Taylor report. As we now know the findings were faulted and drink little to no part in what happened at Hillsborough,.
Yeah football seems to draw the lions share of morons across Europe doesn’t it ? even though in Stadiums they are now a minority, drink just makes them worse, a classic case of the minority ruining it for the masses…