this derby malarkey

Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian · January 16, 2009

About time that something was done about this business regasrding the derby.

The report in the mirror refers to "one song in particular", so can we assume that from that statement from Merseyside Police that we will be the ones being watched like hawks prior, during and after the games against our neighbours from hell ?

Now they do say that it will be impossible to arrest everyone and would probably result in a melee, however people will be arrested/ejected if they are singing it.

So how do they decide who to turf out ? seems if you are surrounded by lids who will stand up for you and cause a fracas, or it at least appears that way then you are safe, however the club have the seat no. of all fans attending, or at least they think they do, my money says the police also have the information as well, the cameras will be trained on our end at the 1st sound of "The Song" evey cctv in that godforsaken hole will cover every seat and then fines dispatched in the post.

now the threats from the police and the obvious singling out of Evertonians could have a very adverse effect, it's never REALLY kicked off at a derby, scuffles etc. but it could well kick off with the police, any signs of bias and it could all go tits as they say, and i reckon given the attitude in the city towards the constabulary, they could face it from 4 corners.

i have to say that the thing i find most disappointing about the comment from the police is that there is no mention of the lescott/ carsley songs or the neville incident, the police should be condemned for this. there has not been one bit of criticism aimed at lfc supporters regarding their behaviour at previous derbies, they are portrayed as saints, loveable scousers with humour and banter, yet u.e.f.a. described them as "The worst fans in europe", i dont agree with that tbh(although some will cite the fact that no teams support has killed so many), but it isnt without any foundation, there are obviously a lot of incidents which dont get into the papers here but u.e.f.a. observers obviously see. all i'm asking for is at least an equal footing at the outset as it seems to me and many others that we are being blamed.

b.t.w. if mr gerrard is found guilty then are we allowed to sing about that ? as it will then be more than "rumour". if the answer is no then will mr. barton also be afforded the same on his next visit ? seems we are heading towards the kind of footy stadium that used to exist in china where it was against the rules to stand/sing/cheer/clap/wear colour.

Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian · January 16, 2009

just one extra thing.

as the grounds for charging anyone are likely to fall under the category of threatening behaviour, i.e. "using language or behaviour that is likely to cause offence" can we be assurred that the players will also be watched for swearing etc as surely a blind eye cant be turned towards what they do.

gordonjblair · January 16, 2009

while it should most definately be illegal, apparently singing "in the air tonight" by Phil Collins is actually well within your rights. That would be my recommendation, might lead to the adoptive father throwing another fit and getting himself sent off b) (y)

bigbadjeff · January 16, 2009

Excellent post mate, it seems like there's one law for one side ond another for the other. We are all equal but some are more equal than others.

Goat · January 16, 2009

I think we are taking the wrong end of the stick. Our songs arent offensive or even illegal, we arent the ones signing about the disabled. The fact that our press office commented and theres didnt speaks volumes. I dont consider we have anything to worry about.

steevie · January 16, 2009

Great post Reidy, one that deserves you added rep. Well done lad.

Reidy's Bottle Of Grecian · January 16, 2009

this is the article for those who havent read it.........

Merseyside Police have warned today that anyone involved in 'criminal chanting' at this month's games between Liverpool and Everton could be prosecuted.

The threat comes after the same type of chanting marred the previous two derby encounters and with the Blues travelling to Anfield twice in a week to face the Reds in both the league and the FA Cup.

According to the Liverpool Echo, football intelligence units have drawn up a list of unacceptable chants with one song said to be a particular concern if it is sung. The police will also eject anyone from the ground who is caught repeating the chants and will apply for banning orders against the individuals.

Football commander for Merseyside police Chief Supt Dave Lewis said: "We will speak to the CPS to see if what is sung is viewed as abusive.

"We could arrest people and charge them. We won't be arresting hundreds as we haven't got the resources to do so and could prompt a mêlée.

"Some of the singing can be abhorrent and we have to draw a line under it."

Both clubs have been asked to unite against the chants and Everton FC spokesman Ian Ross said: "We always urge our fans to behave appropriately, not just at derby games, but at every match. "At a previous derby at Anfield there was some pretty unpleasant chanting from both sets of supporters, although it was not racist or homophobic."

No one from Liverpool FC was available for comment.

Seamus Colemole · January 16, 2009

It doesn't actually say the kids not yours song is the one they will be looking out for most.

Of course we probably will end up getting tarred as the bad boys no matter what but surely to god that can't be the one they are talking about, must be way worse more criminal ones then that.