Whether one likes football (soccer, Association football, call it what you will) as a sport is a matter of personal preference, and I understand perfectly well that it doesn't grab everyone - fine, no problem, whatever floats yer boat.

But what drives me nuts is the assertion commonly made by non-football-lovers that all football supporters are violent drunken thugs who use every game as an excuse to brawl, smash up the stadium and pee/vomit copiously in every street within a five-mile radius of the game. It's simply untrue, I've never behaved in that way and I don't personally know anyone who has. I regularly attend Premiership games (and sadly, since the demise of Leeds United, Championship games) and I've seldom seen any trouble either in the ground or outside it. Not saying it never happens, just far less frequently than many would have you believe. The louts are in a small minority and that most supporters are decent, law-abiding people who go to a game simply to support their side and enjoy a sporting spectacle. Brucie please take note.

Now shout me down.

SJ :0)

PS I love Rugby (both codes) and Cricket too. And I've seen quite a few drunks at Rugby and Cricket matches.