Drunks make mockery of great Cardiff Test match
THE Welsh Rugby Union are facing renewed calls for the closure of bars during matches at the Principality Stadium following a flood of fresh complaints over drunken behaviour.
Since the All Blacks match last Saturday, social media has been awash with Welsh supporters vowing “never again” in protest at what they say makes a mockery of family entertainment. Beth Fisher, a former Wales hockey international, went to the match with her disabled uncle, Robin Hindle-Fisher.
“Quite frankly it’s put me off going back to watch another match,’’ she told BBC Wales. “This was the most horrible feeling I have ever had at any public event.”
A spectator who witnessed the “obscene abuse” said he had written to WRU chairman, Gareth Davies. Others have told of similar experiences at the stadium which one described as “the biggest pub in Britain”.
Sally Owen watched the match with her family. “We watch club rugby week in, week out,” she tweeted. “We won’t be going again. Most people around us were only there to get drunk. I lost count of how many times I had to get up to let people out. They weren’t interested in watching the game.
“Then when Wales scored some idiot launched his pint and it landed all over our four-yearold. He ended up soaking and very upset. It definitely is not a family day out.’’
Scores of others told of similar incidents. Paul Goodman: “I saw people fighting in the seats with an OAP and child. The police had to be called in.’’
David Berry: “Been going for years. Never again. Drunks, foul-mouthed people constantly going back and fro to the bar or toilets. WRU should ban alcohol from the seating areas.’’
Rhodri: “I used to attend regularly. Constant drinking, foul language and poor sportsmanship have led me to stay away.’’
Steve Duckett: “Someone in front of me just got up as Leigh Halfpenny lined up to kick. We were quite disillusioned to be honest.’’
Craig Price: “£90 for a ticket and £4 for a pint. At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.’’
And so on ad infinitum although special mention has to be made of John Conway if only to acknowledge a sense of humour, no matter how black: “Imagine how depressing it would be to watch Wales play without alcohol to numb the pain.’’