Fulham Fan killed outside Priestfield Stadium

English soccer was rocked after Matthew Fox, 24 of Old Lodge Lane, Purley was killed after watching Fulham play Gillingham at Priestfield stadium on 28 March '98. Two opposing fans clashed outside the stadium after Gillingham beat Fulham by two goals to nil (goals scored by Ade Akinbyi). The result threatened Fulham's hopes of a play-off position as Gillingham had drawn level with them on points in the league. The violence left the Fulham supporter with head injuries that proved fatal. Attempts at resuscitation proved to be futile.

The question has to be asked whether the game breeds such violence, after all this is not the first such killing after fights between rival supporters. Such situations are unheard of in most other sports, any more than a heated discussion would be unheard of in a sport like snooker. However, killings are almost accepted as part of soccer.

The players have no respect for each other on the pitch. Fights often occur between the players on the pitch and the referee seldom interferes. Fouls are part of the game, only the most vicious of tackles are dealt with through a sending off, even then the referees are less than consistent with their judgements. This lack of respect is part of the root that breeds the evil in the game. Even boxers in a fight often have far more respect for their opponents. If footballers were taught to respect their opponents before a match then there would be less violence on the pitch and this would affect the fans in the terraces.

The whole atmosphere in the soccer crowd breeds violence. All seater stadiums have shown a marked improvement, but standing, singing and hurling abuse the players should be dealt with the strictest punishments, such people should be banned from future games. Why are known troublemakers allowed back into the game? Handing ID cards to all supporters would all but eradicate the problem.

Perhaps by removing the troublemakers and improving the attitude towards the game then the opposing supporters would learn to respect each other and learn to enjoy a game rather than concentrating on destroying the opposition.

However at the moment, time and time again, fighting and abuse are ignored in the terraces and on the pitch. The Football Association needs to take a hard stance against offenders. If you don't ban abusive people from the grounds then deaths are going to occur.

Football needs changing from the roots, and with France '98 fast approaching, the game is heading for disaster. However all the time that people such as Barry Vennison condone the disgraceful attitude of Players & supportes by calling their behaviour "Emotion and Passion", football will be heading down a slippery slope and there will be no return.