Enschede Riots

[Mitch]

Can I ask a question of those that were there and avoided problems, Shady1, Berserker, OW, SouthfieldWhite, Scrumpy to name a few. Were you openly wearing your colors? I only ask because, not being there, and reading various accounts from those that were and were not involved in problems, it's just a question that came to mind as to why some were targeted.

Not many colours amongst Fulham fans really. It's pretty obvious if you're English though.

[Scrumpy]

Can I ask a question of those that were there and avoided problems, Shady1, Berserker, OW, SouthfieldWhite, Scrumpy to name a few. Were you openly wearing your colors? I only ask because, not being there, and reading various accounts from those that were and were not involved in problems, it's just a question that came to mind as to why some were targeted.

I tend to keep colours to a minimum, as it avoids confrontation. But I walked to the ground with a group openly wearing Fulham tops, and we chatted to Twente fans all the way there and back.

I honestly believe that hooligans have an unwritten rule that they only go after other fans who are 'up for it'. (There are exceptions). Generally, if you're travelling in numbers then you may be targetted. If there's 2 or 3 of you, you should be fine. If you're in the middle of a crowd of 150, all chanting songs, then you're more likely to get targetted. But then there are more of you, so there's safety in numbers. It's a dilemma!

[Gozorich]

That Tiff reports funny and mostly a load of bull....

Even funnier me having to apologise for stateing facts because i was there .... maybe your son saw things differently from were he was so i'll forgive you for posting misleading 2nd hand imformation... i'd have thought after reading accounts from those there you are now happy to admit it wasn't Fulham fans smashing up bars but being attacked .... maybe you should now apologize to all those you were happy to wrongly tarnish ... you rumour monger  :hook:

I would certainly take my son's word rather than yours. Although a long time Fulham fan he is not blinded by loyalty. Also I would accept Barra's post on Tiff as he is recognised as a reliable source and been around a lot longer than you. Anybody who has been going to CC and away games during the past 50 years can vouch for the fact that we have a fair number of louts as supporters. So nothing would come as a surprise

You come across as patronising; making snidey comments about other posters. Still, I have better things to do than continue this dialogue. bang head

[Logicalman]

Thanks for the replies to the questions.

I asked because I recalled back in the 70's  - apart from the 'organized' fights - it was rare to be attacked unless you were wearing your colours openly. That is except whenever we went to Upton Park (poop hole of the East), when you were asked on the way back to the station what side you supported and if you didn't answer (correctly) straight away, then it was a good kicking - literally - for you and your mates.
I have to admit, since emigrating west in the late 90's, my chances of attending matches have diminished somewhat, though the ones I have attended since all seem to be more calm than they used to be.

I'm always grateful for those of you that post about matches on here, they remind me what I'm missing and bring it all a little closer to home.

[White Noise]

Fulham fans in Enschede

[Mitch]

The problem English teams travelling have, is that on the continent it's still more commonplace and the English have a big reputation, so we are targets.

The police on the whole did a very good job in Eschede though, so it wasn't as bad as it could've been.

Would have been a lot worst if Twente had come as a surprise, not sat at the pub opposite all day.

[ScalleysDad]

Can I ask a question of those that were there and avoided problems, Shady1, Berserker, OW, SouthfieldWhite, Scrumpy to name a few. Were you openly wearing your colors? I only ask because, not being there, and reading various accounts from those that were and were not involved in problems, it's just a question that came to mind as to why some were targeted.

Not many colours amongst Fulham fans really. It's pretty obvious if you're English though.

Socks with sandals, making a mess of wearing flip flops and a leaning towards beige tend to give it away. Guilty ?

[Mitch]

I was thinking generally, fat, bald and badly dressed.

[The Doctor]

I was thinking generally, fat, bald and badly dressed.

Hardly a charge that can be levelled solely at the English.  I know of a certain Dutchman who fits that description

[fulham pete]

I was thinking generally, fat, bald and badly dressed.

Oy. How did you know I was there.

[fulham pete]

On a more serious note, I was gobsmacked when I got back and read this thread. Didn't experiance any of the bother that has been spoken about. Did have a drink at the Irish pub before and after the match but no mention of any trouble.

To answer an earlier question I was wearing a sweatshirt, cap and scarf which clearly identified me as a Fulham fan But then again being fat bald badly dressed and old maybe I wasnt considered a target. 092.gif

[Logicalman]

On a more serious note, I was gobsmacked when I got back and read this thread. Didn't experiance any of the bother that has been spoken about. Did have a drink at the Irish pub before and after the match but no mention of any trouble.

To answer an earlier question I was wearing a sweatshirt, cap and scarf which clearly identified me as a Fulham fan But then again being fat bald badly dressed and old maybe I wasnt considered a target. 092.gif

Well, that's me safe at any match then!!!!  :54:

[Matt]

The police on the whole did a very good job in Eschede though, so it wasn't as bad as it could've been.

I dont agree with you on that point. My judgement on the situation is that the 50 riot polices with shields accompanied by 15 police horses that stormed in to the square in Enschede didn't calm us down forcing us in towards the pub. And the escort between the two concrete walls where they held us, could have been nasty.

[MrFantastic]

If Twente fans started this than is ok for our fans to fight back and protect each other, but if our fans started this because they were drunk and had no reason for this than I don't support their actions there. I was at games where other fans verbally get you mad that is hard to control yourself and you do things you wouldn't normally do. But violence should only be used in order to protect yourself or your group if attacked by other fans and that is it there.

[leonffc]

Can I ask a question of those that were there and avoided problems, Shady1, Berserker, OW, SouthfieldWhite, Scrumpy to name a few. Were you openly wearing your colors? I only ask because, not being there, and reading various accounts from those that were and were not involved in problems, it's just a question that came to mind as to why some were targeted.

Not many colours amongst Fulham fans really. It's pretty obvious if you're English though.

Socks with sandals, making a mess of wearing flip flops and a leaning towards beige tend to give it away. Guilty ?

Haha. World cup in Germany. Everyone had green combat shorts, white trainers and England shirt or expensive polo on. We did have a chuckle about that. More identifiable than the Dutch in their orange!!

[FatFreddysCat]

You naughty lot you. missed all the prematch stuff, was still staggering around Enschede about 4am,had some dutch mug call me something, but there was 3 of us and 100 of them so just walked on. Got very stoned after that.lester when you read this, you've mugged us off for a oner,not very happy, i expect you to do the right thing.

[SHADY1]

Gozorich .... never heard of this Barra bloke don't go on tfi...sound like someone i should get to know as he's so reliable ... but then as he wasn;t there how would he know what went on...

and to answer the other question ... only thing Fulham i wore was a tiny badge with new badge & St Georges cross....  but as said its not about the colours and most the time those wearing shirts get less hassle as they aren't seen as equals by those looking for trouble.. non of the Dutch fighting had colours on if my memory serves me right

[Shredhead]

I've been a 'Fulham Yachting Type' (since seeing some graffiti on the Fulham Palace Road in the early 80s). Since then, I've worn deck shoes, no socks, sturdy canvas trews, a breton shirt (God, I hate fashion catching up with me) and a waterproof top from an obscure manufacturer.
Does this have mark me out English and / or a Cottager?
Or just a knob?

[Jimpav]

I've been a 'Fulham Yachting Type' (since seeing some graffiti on the Fulham Palace Road in the early 80s). Since then, I've worn deck shoes, no socks, sturdy canvas trews, a breton shirt (God, I hate fashion catching up with me) and a waterproof top from an obscure manufacturer.
Does this have mark me out English and / or a Cottager?
Or just a knob?

You might be mistaken for OW or a member or the Ranelagh sailing club but it's what inside that counts!

[sipwell]

Must say that I/we didn't meet any aggressive Twente fans. They were all friendly (especially since we spoke the language). No "you lost hahahaha" after the game either and we all wore fulham colours. You have hotheads everywhere I guess :)