Conspiracy theory...
Call me an old worrier if you like, but I really do not think this kind of "reporting" is responsible.
The same story has been syndicated all over the shop: here, here, here, and here.
Great syndication work, I hear you say...yes but the trouble is with the content.
"The disease is not cured. The most recent edition of Searchlight, the anti-fascist magazine, highlights the problem and tells the story of Darren Wells, a former member of Combat 18, the neo-Nazi group, insulting tourists and destroying artefacts at a Polish concentration camp while supporting England abroad."Firstly Darren Wells started working for Searchlight the anti-fascist magazine in 1999, so his 'story' of causing offence at Auschwitz while supporting England away can scarcely be considered 'fresh' news.
Secondly, they've got a few quotes from people who've made a bob or two out of poorly written memoirs of the 'bad old days' on the terraces. What for? To big up the evil English threat? It makes better copy than happy peaceful football supporters...
And what is the response from German authorities to the perceived English menace? Some fine words about everyone having a good time, while the German Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble is suggesting deploying German soldiers during the World Cup, to assist police officers.
That's really going to be seen as low key 21st century policing by the English. Not!
Are the media really conspiring to provoke the English into a blood bath?
Category: Football_
posted by Gavin Corder at 1:11 PM
4 Comments:
"Are the media really conspiring to provoke the English into a blood bath?"...probably, I seem to remember similar reporting and overreaction by the Portuguese police (before anyone had even arrived) during Euro 2004.
Gavin, I wouldn't worry about it because what will be. will be. There are bound to be a very small group of loony hooligans that do travel to Germany with no other agenda but to cause trouble and trouble they will cause. However, I am fairly confident that the German police will not allow it to get out of hand and it will not escalate like it did in 2000.
My only worry is that they are not bannig alcohol at the grounds. Now that is daft.
I'm sure that the vast majority of those travelling will behave and no shame will be brought upon us no matter how hard the media try to stir.
Without a shadow of doubt yes, Gav. And may I be the last to wish you a happy new year, in fact why not make it a win double and consider it your first for 2007?
Five Live are salivating at the thought of the World Cup kickoff, but not for the football. I wrote a savage attack on the dear old souls one balmy night in Bangkok - it lasted about an hour before they dragged it off kicking and screaming! It must have been good - WendyMann hated it (polishes medal pinned to chest). I'll post it on my blog tomorrow now I can get back into it. I've had a little password problem. A warning though - it's not for the sqeamish and certainly not suitable for Stephen Nolan (polishes second altogether larger, shinier medal).
Span, they did and it worked in France in 98.
Mags this is deliberate media fuel on fire for headlines.
The Germans can't handle their own having a pop at the Poles (see my earlier post). The way to handle 100,000 Englishmen with their blood up in Germany is not by deploying German army against them. That's like saying "Come on if you think you're 'ard enough!"
Welcome back Augustus. You've been a very slack blogging Emperor!About time too! Laurel wreath awarded on sight of post!
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