Posted by Ged W on February 23, 2003 at 12:11:45:
In Reply to: Re: A point of view posted by Ged W on February 22, 2003 at 21:47:23:
Having had 23 years experience in the Royal Ulster Constabulary, a degree in Criminology and another in Law. In the recent past have had to be part of a team that investigated some horrendous crimes. Example: There was the horrific murder of customers in the bar in Loughinisland, Co Down in 1994 who were 'gunned down by a 'Loyalist murderers' while watching the Republic of Ireland team on TV playing in the World Cup. I have also attended conferences with other Police Services and have found that crime statistics will prove that at major matches such as a 'Derby' there is a significant increase in public disorder and violence. The amount of increased Police activity is obviously in proportion to the reduction of crime in the vicinity of the event.
It is amazing how a simple jibe can have such alarming consequences.There is a reluctance to attribute any particular acts of violence or disorder to the result of a football match or the verbal exchanges between groups of fans. The 'Kremlin' in Manchester would be extremely reluctant to admit that.
If you pay attention to the news items that concentrate on the preparations made for these events you will find that 'fans going on the rampage' is not uncommon- 'The Inter City' squad. I understand your blissful ignorance and your unwillingness to accept the 'Munich' jibe was provocative but as you claim to have been to major events and have seen 'no evidence' then 'in the realm of the blind the one-eyed man is king'