Rugby proves LS troubles a football issue

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.