The events over the past week following the appalling stabbings in Southport in which three young girls were killed have been disturbing and sickening to witness.
Fuelled by lies, false narratives and dog whistle racism, far-right thugs and mindless idiots hell-bent on gratuitous violence and vandalism have wrecked and smashed up towns and cities across the country. The scenes of destruction and targeting of people due to their ethnicity that have been seen in Hull, Stoke, Manchester and Rotherham have been terrifying, but for many of us, perhaps the incidents in Hartlepool and Sunderland have felt particularly close to home.
Putting aside all Footballing rivalries for a moment, I’m sure that as Geordies and Newcastle United supporters, most of us know that the majority of Mackems and Sunderland supporters are decent people who do not deserve to have been subjected to the disgusting vandalism that occurred. The images of many Mackems turning up in the aftermath the following morning to clean up the mess and restore the pride they have in their town tells as much.
Lists of future planned ‘protests’ by the far right have circulated on social media with one at Grey’s Monument in Newcastle earmarked for next Saturday. This has caused concern not only due to the potential for the unrest witnessed elsewhere to be repeated in our city, but also with the Sela Cup doubleheader at St James’ Park with Newcastle’s mens and womens teams hosting Stade Brestois and AC Milan respectively.
Whilst Friday night’s friendly against Girona does not appear to be in doubt, some have questioned whether the games on Saturday should go ahead given the proximity of St James’ Park to the rumoured protests expected that day.
In light of this, reports are emerging that three Premier League clubs are liaising with local authorities to impose ‘up to 5 year bans’ for supporters who are identified in taking part in social disorder this week. Liverpool and Everton are…
Author : Tom Lynch
Publish date : 2024-08-05 06:00:45
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Author : soccernews
Publish date : 2024-08-05 06:02:37
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.