The fans deserve respect

RESPECT is a word that is much used these days, and in a sporting context we are usually talking about respect for referees and linesmen, and the requirement is for supporters to show them respect.

I have no problem all with doing that, it’s the decent thing to do, and the officials are essential to get games played. As custodians of the rule book, we expect officials largely to get things right, but County have seen some poor decisions by officials in the last two games.

At Dover the opposing goalkeeper was allowed to roll the ball clear from outside his area and was not sent off or even booked for same, then the very next game at Bromley Sam Walker was required to leave the field having received lengthy treatment after being fouledboth instances being in flagrant violation of the rules of the game.

So, when fans seem to be less than reasonable in their response to the decisions of referees and linesmen maybe sometimes this is understandable!

Which brings me again to the game at Bromley and the question ‘What do football supporters have to do to get even basic human rights from host clubs?’

Having travelled the length and breadth of the UK watching County, I have seen much that distresses me in respect of how supporters, especially travelling supporters are treated.

At Bromley it escalated obnoxiously as County supporters were subjected to a search process that included a detailed rummage through their wallets!

This is totally unacceptable, and some of the supporters concerned are still waiting for an explanation as to why this excessive action was deemed necessary from Bromley FC.

Is it too much to ask football supporters be respected as officials want to be?

I think not!