The shape of things to come

[simples]

So tomorrow's game, as expected, is going to have segregation in effect due to the idiotic behaviour of the adolescent herberts at the recent corresponding fixture. This means no access all areas that we're accustomed to, plus they're closing the bar before the final whistle. If we reach the promised land next year do you think this will become the norm (I'm sure segregation will have to happen) and how do you feel about it? Personally I'm happy to accept such changes as the club evolves and progresses but I'm sure there are some who will not feel the same.

[johndeerstalker]

From the map Jeff has so kindly produced ,it seems Ebbsfleet supporters aren't permitted in either bar.

[lionofglencoe]

Can't blame the club for being cautious tomorrow,hope it doesn't become the norm i like being able to walk around the ground and swop ends.

I am wondering how the proposed redevelopment of the 'bench' end may affect things in the future.

When we get promoted this year to the Conference there will be some ex league teams up there with possibly a more 'confrontational' culture so i would expect there to be at least some games where segregation may be necessary.

[lynchmob]

I thought Conference games are all segregated anyway. Palace aren't playing tomorrow I think, just hope the little Brad Pitts don't turn up for a second helping. Need both sets of fans to behave. We could end up in proper dogBrad Pitte with the FA if they don't.

[armchairraven]

Mar 6, 2015 17:01:37 GMT lionofglencoe said:

I am wondering how the proposed redevelopment of the 'bench' end may affect things in the future.

They putting the benches back in? Nice one.

[will]

Mar 6, 2015 17:30:04 GMT lynchmob said:

I thought Conference games are all segregated anyway. Palace aren't playing tomorrow I think, just hope the little Brad Pitts don't turn up for a second helping. Need both sets of fans to behave. We could end up in proper dogMark Bright with the FA if they don't.

It's not obligatory in the Conference although I imagine all clubs would have to have some sort of infrastructure in place for being able to do it. I've been to a few Conference games in recent times as a neutral at smaller clubs (Hyde, Droylsden) and there's not been any segregation, nor any need for it.

[kevinanderson]

During Eastbourne's three-season Conf Prem adventure, they consciously resisted segregation for all but a handful of home fixtures (Crawley was one, I remember). Visiting clubs were amazed, but there were virtually no problems at all. If you are insistently friendly towards visitors, and treat them as guests and not enemies, it's possible to get away with it.

The downside was the away games - getting penned into the isolated corners of often quite large stadiums, and surrounded by stewards. Since Eastbourne's away support rarely numbered more than about 60 - which was also their average age - it felt quite frustrating and took the gloss off the away trips.

[johndeerstalker]

Good post Kevin. As I have previously aired, non-league football should be supporting your team on the pitch and boozing (or whatever) before and after. Hindsight is ,of course, a great thing, but there was no need for any segregation yesterday. Both Bromley and Ebbsfleet supporters freely mingled in The Ravens Bar beforehand, in a more than cordial fashion. The total absence of home support behind the goal in the second half ruined the atmosphere, which was more akin to a crowd of 200 as opposed to 1988. Shame that the occasion was spoiled by the actions of a few mindless pl****rs.

[bromleyboy21]

With that in mind it might have been better for Bromley to have kicked towards the carpark first half and therefore had the support behind the goal at the benches end in the 2nd half (maybe they wanted to do that but Ebbsfleet won the toss?)

Something to consider in the future when there is segregation.