Heron

My (personal) take on the atmosphere was that it was flat as a fart for the most part. It seemed absolutely deafening when their team was read out and when the national anthem was sung I was like ? Then it only lasted for 5 or 10 minutes and it was like our bubble just burst. Felt like our fans lost faith and when they scored the tie was as good as over for most. Part of it may have been the night before, but I think thats just an excuse personally. I think our recent lack of goal scoring prowess and Man Uniteds increasingly good form had us like rabbits in the headlights when the big moment of the match finally came to take place. Our attitude (which I love and which is why we are loved) is to be there, take part, have a belter time, and leave popular, plucky underdogs. Man United turned up to win, on and off the pitch. If we scored on the 30th minute we'd have won that tie undoubtedly, but that first goal was crucial. I was lower tier, behind the goal, and myself and this guy got proper emotional at the start, just oozing with pride. We hugged and then that was it. Both his mates and mine stuck it out together for the duration. Stamping on the metal and when the knees and feet became too sore reverted to banging it with a clenched fist. It's what I love about football. That sense of shared pride, overwhelming passion and a love of where one's from. In how many scenarios in life does this happen? For me, I'm maybe a tad old school and that has its pro's and cons. I'm not old enough to have experienced the days of hooliganism and the genuine danger of any given away day. That has to be a pro. Likewise, I grew up in an era where those older than me educated and policed me into understanding how to behave at the pub and the match, generally speaking. Of course there are moments when you lose your head or you say or do something stupid but hey ho, that's life. Now, for the betterment of society, women and kids are in abundance at the match. As they should be. However, I do feel that there's a sanitisation of the game whereby the tribalism is almost entirely removed and it's becoming a very generic thing to attend any match, anywhere in the country. You hear the same drab songs coming from away ends and the home fans sit in silence unless they take the lead. Home advantage no longer exists. This whole thing about putting away fans pitch side is absolute nonsense to me. There should be home standing/singing sections and the away fans should be in the worst seats on the stadium. Of course, that's not great as an away fan, but it's all about giving your team an advantage. That way the away 'hardcore' have to be on their game to balance the playing field. The answer, as others have mentioned is to reshuffle. Nowt wrong with family enclosures, nowt wrong with sitting, but there's also nowt wrong with standing, singing and actually, swearing. I feel like many probably do at the match: It's where my troubles leave me, for 90minutes. Same when I play. Nothing matters but football for that time. Sure, people swear, lose their heads,etc. Sure people sometimes need to dial it in and be respectful of others, but for how many is football a form of therapy? I feel like many think it's embarrassing to sing alone or to get passionate, maybe it's a British trait, I don't know, the whole stiff upper lip kinda crack, but for me I enjoy people showing raw passion and hence I tend to show mine. At the match on Sunday I had a lass during the match turn to me from 2 rows down and shout up "You used to sit in the corner and cancelled your season ticket" in front of everyone. I said "...and, what's your point?" She said "I didn't I stuck by the team." I then replied "Yeah l, well I stood up for my club, my beliefs and tried to protect it." Then numerous folk intervened and said for me to ignore her. I've never known nowt like it. I finally said "Glad you're more bothered about my beliefs than the cup final I'm trying to support my team in." I couldn't help but feel slightly embarrassed but also angry that this would matter at such a time. Which brings me to my final point. In another thread someone has mentioned when I protested vs Arsenal and wrote something passionate on here (will also pick that up in that thread) but for me, that day, something as a football fan died inside me. I love the match and getting behind my team, but the way I felt that day made me feel entirely alienated from the club and city I love. Random people calling you a cunt for standing up for the same thing they also love, whilst they themselves do fuck all about it except complain in a pub. I'll be honest, I don't give that much of a shit that people wouldn't protest, but don't also spend hours complaining of a situation you're unwilling to do anything about if that's the case. Most of my best mates carried on with their tickets and I'd see them every match day still as I made my stand and sat in the pub whilst they went. For the most part it was fine, I accepted my choice but some days it upset me, I no longer had my 'therapy' and I felt an outcast (despite it being of my own doing). I remember these planned protests, several of them, when well renowned toon fans pushed them and then dropped them last minute and lead with a 'voice' but no actual presence. Doing public U Turns at the last gasp as those that followed them ultimately sacked protesting off, but I didn't. I said my piece and followed it through. It's that feeling of relief I feel at almost every game now, self vindication and pride in staying true to myself that tip me over the edge. Whereas some others have probably become spectators, there in body but not as much spirit and hence the silence until the team give them something to shout about. Mike Ashley fucking ruined this club and its gonna take more than 15months to repair those 15(?) Years. The bastard. (Apologies for the war and peace...)

What was the craic with you like? Someone having a go?

Man United singing against the Glazers but all happy to wear and use the free scarves they provided them...

I looked over Wembley and what did I see....Loris gonna Karius home. A black and White Angel coming after me, Loris gonna Karius home.

Been sang this on WhatsApp this morning from another party. looks like it's a goer

Liked it and shared it with the group on WhatsApp l. Needless to say it went down a treat. Hope you don't mind

We have contac, aye. What in particular do you feel needs mentioning

Aye, but we're Newcastle United. Tottenham get Spurs or Aston Villa might get Villa in general conversation, but when on Sky they shouldnt just erase the name out of sheer pig ignorance

We are Newcastle United. It's not difficult. In fact it's rude/disrespectful.

Just won £232 off a quid. 7 team acca consisting of 2 draws and five wins. Yes, I came here just to gloat.

We worked with the foundation, the Athletic and others involved in the whole 'occasion' as part of a wider range of events/coverage Club and country flags were made by yours truly.

Don't really see the funny side in having Raoul Moat on a flag like that like...

Now 5th

Bruno will be back and in explosive form.

We don't demand a team that wins we demand a club that tries...

Chelsea have splashed the cash and aren't reaping the rewards, wouldn't be surprised if this is their 'Leeds' moment tbh. Man City could be done for FFP irregularities. We just need to trust the plan and evolve in time.

The cream will rise to the top when those around us slowly fail and get caught out...

We will adapt and evolve. Expect something fresh next week..

A minute silence should be a minute silence, always. It's supposed to be a time to reflect. Sound like a reet miserable auld bastard but are people so lacking an attention span that they cannot simply be quiet and share a moments reflection :lol:

Sounded like he was at the races again today

I know we should be, but I'm not all that arsed like. Wherever we finish now is an absolute bonus. Honestly don't see a lot of the teams around us doing better than us, excluding a 3 horse race for the title.

Hopefully Klopp sees the display and realises he should act with some dignity and decorum

Would recommend being in 10mins early tomorrow

Would recommend being in 10mins early tomorrow...