@the-gipper said:

Well, the "hooliganism" of English soccer fans is well renowned. I am not sure it is a thing to be proud for some of these guys, even though they may think it is. They may as well wear a sign around their necks saying "I'm a F****ing Idiot". Fair to say?

If i were you i would be thinking exactly that. However, as someone that has been to many of these games i have to admit that no matter how calm and non-violent a person you are, it is hard to keep control of your emotions. It is absolute hatred, that is the one word that sums it up... Hatred!

Back on topic, Randy has really betrayed the fans on this one. I honestly dont know what the equivalent would be for you guys... An englishman buying your team then appointing the worst possible coach he can think of, despite protests at the Stadium from fans, players saying it would be bad for team morale, death threats to owner and coach, getting sued by your bitter rivals and fans burning their season tickets and jerseys! It is a complete mind f**k that he has chosen this guy, it will lead to riots in the city!

For the record, i know nothing about NFL, i like to watch it occasionally, but i joined to know how you guys feel about Lerner... Good night one and all

@the-gipper said:

Well, the "hooliganism" of English soccer fans is well renowned. I am not sure it is a thing to be proud for some of these guys, even though they may think it is. They may as well wear a sign around their necks saying "I'm a F****ing Idiot". Fair to say?

If i were you i would be thinking exactly that. However, as someone that has been to many of these games i have to admit that no matter how calm and non-violent a person you are, it is hard to keep control of your emotions. It is absolute hatred, that is the one word that sums it up... Hatred!

Back on topic, Randy has really betrayed the fans on this one. I honestly dont know what the equivalent would be for you guys... An englishman buying your team then appointing the worst possible coach he can think of, despite protests at the Stadium from fans, players saying it would be bad for team morale, death threats to owner and coach, getting sued by your bitter rivals and fans burning their season tickets and jerseys! It is a complete mind f**k that he has chosen this guy, it will lead to riots in the city!

For the record, i know nothing about NFL, i like to watch it occasionally, but i joined to know how you guys feel about Lerner... Good night one and all

Gipper, you said

"I don't know if it goes that far. Very few cities in America have more than 1 team per town in the major sports. Only NYC, Chicago and LA do"

In England its more like 2 or 3, maybe more teams in a city and its outskirts (within 30 miles of each other). Rivalry in English 'soccer' is something very different to what you experience over in the US. When Aston Villa play our main rival, Birmingham City (who's former coach Randy Lerner is trying to employ) it is always on a Sunday at midday and the police presence is increased 10fold.

This is typical of a 'Second City Derby' as its known.

It's not banter, its not a laugh, a couple of years ago a Villa fan was killed after Aston Villa beat Birmingham City 5-1, i'm not trying to glorify the violence i just think you need to know the importance of local pride in English football (soccer).