There’s a line between passion and plain intimidation, and to my mind that line has been crossed. I’ve played and watched for years, but seeing groups in balaclavas and a mood of organised aggression at football — not just here but around the world — is a different, uglier beast. You can argue about rivalry and banter, but this? It’s not football any more when families are scared to attend.

The problem on the terraces

We’ve always had idiots in the crowd. To be fair, plenty of incidents used to be alcohol-fuelled and spontaneous. This isn’t that. There’s a sense now of planning, of people hiding their faces and turning matchdays into theatre for trouble. That change is what shakes you. It’s not just about shouting or a shove; it’s organised disruption wearing club colours and that makes it feel personal to supporters who’ve nothing to do with it.

Why families are staying away

Honestly, you can see why parents won’t bring kids to away ends any more. I wouldn’t risk my family in a situation where a small flare-up can spiral because there are people who seem set on violence. Even at home, you expect safety. The idea of matchday turning into a battleground is frightening. That’s a loss for the club, a loss for the game and a loss for ordinary fans who just want a night out.

What now? Tougher controls or something else?

There aren’t easy answers. Some argue that subscription or broadcast-only access could be the only way to shut down flare-ups, others call for tighter stewarding, smarter policing and firmer sanctions against those who spoil it for everyone. Whatever happens, it needs to protect decent supporters and make clear we won’t tolerate thuggery in our colours. I grew up around Glasgow schemes and saw gangs long before I knew football properly — I never wanted to see that mix with our game. If keeping families safe means changes we don’t like, so be it. Football should be for people, not a stage for hate.

Written by deecee: 5 June 2026

Tags: squad