Trav Le Bleu Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I think "most" is unfair. I used to have a season ticket in the Crumbie Stand at Welford Road (the terrace) and it was largely full of your every day folk. What rugby in this country does have though is a large upper-middle-class following and, yes, naturally there are a lot of textbook snobs amongst them. I've sat in the new stand a few times since it's gone up and I've never felt so out of place at a sporting event before in my life. From gourmet burgers, freshly baked cookies and boxed up pizza amongst the food to the mink-coat clad posh totty sat politely clapping with mild disinterest, it's a weird experience. It's a lot different over the border, though. Stradey Park used to have a cracking atmosphere, akin to a lower-league football ground. Rugby in Wales (and Ireland, as I understand it) draws a much different crowd. The strong connection with the collieries and rugby in Wales made it very much the working man's game and it still retains that ethos now. Finners is right, but as an older (but not old ) fan of rugby I think there has been a distinct change since the game went professional. Back in the late 80s, early 90s I went to loads of Tigers games every year, certainly more than City games (Tigers tickets were about £5 for anywhere in the ground whereas it was about £15 at Filbo to sit behind a post) and there were far more working class people there - well they could afford it and I'd imagine that many snobs would look down on £5 entertainment and watching "amatuers". Also there wasn't as much of a "glory" element involved. Most of the games were merely for pride, except the cup games, but even as, even then, one of the top 3-4 teams in the country (we have been for as long as I remember) we still played games against smaller clubs (except for the cup games the matches were all by invitation and essentially "friendlies.") My first trip to Twikkenham was a shock though - all the Mercs and BMWs parked up with people eating strawberries and cream teas washed down with champange out of the back of them. Of course, therein is involved the "glory" aspect. Since they went professional it has changed hugely. Attendences have increased (probably dispropotionately so along class-lines), rules are much stricter anmd it's more stop starter and getting closer to Rugby League all the time (which is one of a few sports I don't see the attraction of.) You also have things such as the Boxing Day BaaBaas match - was a great occasion; I've seen the likes of Campese, Sella, Hastings playing in those games - but of course nowadays it would likely be an every week occurance cos they'd probably play for English club teams. So, not most rugby fans, but certainly many.
Bob Weasel Fox Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Like many of the posts above i agree there are certainly some "hooray Henry's" at Tigers games but also lots of decent hard working "normal" folk. Seperately from this threads title, i actually try to follow all Leicester's sporting teams, Leicester Riders Basketball, Leicester Lions Speedway, Leicestershire County Cricket Team, Leicester Tigers Rugby team, Leicester Ladies Hockey Team (jeez there are some fit ladies in that team!!!! ), and obviously Leicester City Football Team. Okay i have been to hundreds of City games, only twice to Tigers, once to the cricket and never been to any of the others but i still follow their results with keen interest as i like to support our local teams full stop.
Dan Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Never really been into Rugby, watched a few games and I simply find it one of the most boring sports ever, stop-start, stop-start, very little skill involved at times (I don't mind a physical battle but for fvck sake), honestly would rather watch football, cricket, basketball, darts or tennis, by a mile.
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Give me Rugby, and it's supporters any time, over the average football supporter. I was a Tigers member for ten years, prior to joining TVP, and having to work many weekends. I have made many friends over the years, and enjoy real banter and conversations with opposing fans. I have not seen very many so called "snobs", and find that supporters come from all walks of life. I suspect that many of the posters, have never been to rugby, so have no right to criticize. Leicester City, or Tigers. If I had to choose between the two I would have to say., TIGERS. However come on you Foxes!
Stay Positive Posted 9 October 2011 Author Posted 9 October 2011 Give me Rugby, and it's supporters any time, over the average football supporter. I was a Tigers member for ten years, prior to joining TVP, and having to work many weekends. I have made many friends over the years, and enjoy real banter and conversations with opposing fans. I have not seen very many so called "snobs", and find that supporters come from all walks of life. I suspect that many of the posters, have never been to rugby, so have no right to criticize. Leicester City, or Tigers. If I had to choose between the two I would have to say., TIGERS. However come on you Foxes! Fair enough. I have to say though, whenever I go to football matches, I ALWAYS chat with the opposition, whether it's a home or away match (admittedly I've never been to Millwall and probably wouldn't try it there!) - I've not had a problem yet.
Father Ted Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I know a rugby fan who laughed at and called Matty Fryatt a pussy for needing a stretcher when he broke his jaw, he then said, a rugby player would have just got up and carried on. Ive also often heard that football is a thugs game
Yojoe36 Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Yes Everyone who I know, who likes Rugby, is an utter cu**bag. Big headed grade A nobheads. That's only in my situation though
Finnegan Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I know a rugby fan who laughed at and called Matty Fryatt a pussy for needing a stretcher when he broke his jaw, he then said, a rugby player would have just got up and carried on. Ive also often heard that football is a thugs game Ah, the old addage, "rugby isn't a violent game - and I'll punch anyone that says it is." Thugs game, played by gentlemen; gentlemen's game played by thugs, etc.
Charl91 Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I think i'm too middle class for football. I tend to prefer rugby fans and rugby players, if i'm honest. I have more respect for the players as they dont seem to have the whole diving culture. The only problem is for me, Rugby is such a boring game.
Guest ttfn Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I really used to enjoy rugby before I went to university. Then I met the other people who liked rugby at university, and basically (due to various friendship groups forming) had to choose between rugby and football. I've barely watched a rugby game in the 7 years since I left school, and I don't regret it at all.
accessory Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I know a rugby fan who laughed at and called Matty Fryatt a pussy for needing a stretcher when he broke his jaw, he then said, a rugby player would have just got up and carried on. But it was only "banter", I'm sure. At least he didn't call him gay..
Phube Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Give me Rugby, and it's supporters any time, over the average football supporter. I was a Tigers member for ten years, prior to joining TVP, and having to work many weekends. I have made many friends over the years, and enjoy real banter and conversations with opposing fans. I have not seen very many so called "snobs", and find that supporters come from all walks of life. I suspect that many of the posters, have never been to rugby, so have no right to criticize. It's not what the fans do at the games that annoys me (well apart from he lack of any real passion - TIIIIIIIGERRRRRRS is as good as it gets!), I'm sure (know) they are all pleasant when discussing the game with home/opposing fans etc. But ask them about Football - or Chavball as my workmate calls it!, and they (nearly) all get a supercilious look and bang on about thugs, referees (with good reason), sportsmanship, punching, size, mingling and generally about how their chosen sport is 'better' than yours... P.s I have been to one proper rugby game - Tigers vs Brieve European Cup Final ~1996ish. All I heard of atmosphere waws "HEEEEAAAVE" and "TIIIIGERRRS"
Trav Le Bleu Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 It's not what the fans do at the games that annoys me (well apart from he lack of any real passion - TIIIIIIIGERRRRRRS is as good as it gets!), I'm sure (know) they are all pleasant when discussing the game with home/opposing fans etc. But ask them about Football - or Chavball as my workmate calls it!, and they (nearly) all get a supercilious look and bang on about thugs, referees (with good reason), sportsmanship, punching, size, mingling and generally about how their chosen sport is 'better' than yours... P.s I have been to one proper rugby game - Tigers vs Brieve European Cup Final ~1996ish. All I heard of atmosphere waws "HEEEEAAAVE" and "TIIIIGERRRS" This is something that annoys me about reffing in rugby - the players are CONSTANTLY being told what they can and can't do and yet they STILL concede penalties, etc.
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Fair enough. I have to say though, whenever I go to football matches, I ALWAYS chat with the opposition, whether it's a home or away match (admittedly I've never been to Millwall and probably wouldn't try it there!) - I've not had a problem yet. Very pleased to hear that. You are obviously a true supporter of City.
Thracian Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 It's not what the fans do at the games that annoys me (well apart from he lack of any real passion - TIIIIIIIGERRRRRRS is as good as it gets!), I'm sure (know) they are all pleasant when discussing the game with home/opposing fans etc. But ask them about Football - or Chavball as my workmate calls it!, and they (nearly) all get a supercilious look and bang on about thugs, referees (with good reason), sportsmanship, punching, size, mingling and generally about how their chosen sport is 'better' than yours... P.s I have been to one proper rugby game - Tigers vs Brieve European Cup Final ~1996ish. All I heard of atmosphere waws "HEEEEAAAVE" and "TIIIIGERRRS" Those moronic calls to "heeeeeeeaaaaave" always make me want to supply enemas. As for the rallying cry "Tigrrrrrrrs" they're sounding more like domestic pussies than threatening predators these days. One day in a rugby crowd is quite sufficient. There's more atmosphere in Castle Gardens.
Samilktray Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I saw a lot recently being very smug and arrogant about how good the English rugby team is compared to the English football team. Mocking the football team for never getting past the quarter finals of major tournaments. Oh how that backfired. My opinion of rugby fans is that they are infact, massive cunts. Good day to you all
Super_horns Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I saw a lot recently being very smug and arrogant about how good the English rugby team is compared to the English football team. Mocking the football team for never getting past the quarter finals of major tournaments. Oh how that backfired. Did remember reading that sort of stuff after the 2010 world cup! Mind you only this week the press had France as some team without any hope and all England needed to do was turn up..bit like the pre-Germany discussions from some pundits.
davieG Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Those moronic calls to "heeeeeeeaaaaave" always make me want to supply enemas. As for the rallying cry "Tigrrrrrrrs" they're sounding more like domestic pussies than threatening predators these days. One day in a rugby crowd is quite sufficient. There's more atmosphere in Castle Gardens. On a par with 'shoooooooooot' I think.
Stay Positive Posted 9 October 2011 Author Posted 9 October 2011 Very pleased to hear that. You are obviously a true supporter of City. Thanks. Well, I WAS. I've barely been at all since my little boy was born. As soon as he's old enough though, he's getting a season ticket!
DANGEROUS TIGER Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 I saw a lot recently being very smug and arrogant about how good the English rugby team is compared to the English football team. Mocking the football team for never getting past the quarter finals of major tournaments. Oh how that backfired. My opinion of rugby fans is that they are infact, massive cunts. Good day to you all Still better than our pathetic national football team. What a bloody joke they are.
Corky Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 The England cricket team are the only top sporting side we've got nationally.* *I've probably glossed over netball, hockey or some sport so feel free to correct if true. Anyway, some rugby fans are annoying, but then so are football fans. The good sure outweigh the bad on both sides.
Rincewind Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 Surely rugby fans can just sport fans like football fans can be. I know a few people that enjoy both. Mostly real ale drinkers too. I'm not a big lover of rugby but never felt threatened when they are about. If the football went to a rugby match and started to cause trouble they would soon be thrown out. Not by the stewards or police but by the other fans and some are big buggers. The troublemakers would run back to their mothers. There can be some good games of Rugby I suppose but I soon get bored with it. If I knew the rules I may have more interest. Now that England are out of the World Cup my interest has gone down even further but it does mean Tigers can start winning againg which can only be good for the City of Leicester.
AyewJoking Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 The few rugby fans I know generally hate football and the many football fans I know generally hate rugby.
AoWW Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 The England cricket team are the only top sporting side we've got nationally.* *I've probably glossed over netball, hockey or some sport so feel free to correct if true. Anyway, some rugby fans are annoying, but then so are football fans. The good sure outweigh the bad on both sides. Dressage
The Year Of The Fox Posted 9 October 2011 Posted 9 October 2011 The most boring of sports possible to watch. Granted, I don't know all the rugby rules, but I can't stand a football match where the ref is blowing his whistle non stop. ANY rugby match I've ever watched is just like that. As has been said, the fact that their league still carries on during the world cup makes the sport a farce. My dads mate gave up on spurs and has a ST at Tigers now. But he's the most boring bloke known to man. Speaking to a bloke on holiday last night. He was a groundsman temporarily at QPR 18months ago, as well as at wasps. He says the attitude between the two sets of players was unbelievable. I get pissed off at the fact that rugby fans can stand and drink on the terraces yet we can't.
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