by BigB » Mon Sep 15, 2014 10:19 pm
To clear things up - assuming people will believe me who have a vested interest not to...
I was in between the two stands where the video's were set up recording and had a perfect view of what was happening - right in front of me.
The first can definitely went from the Hawks camp into the Jets camp. This followed increasingly hostile and unsportsmanlike taunting of the Unley crowd as Modbury realised they were being gifted a flag and sought to rub it in. Rather than ignore this idiot minority (most there were well behaved) some of the Jets cohort taunted in response and the can incident then occurred. The said can was thrown back to it's owner - again, another lapse in judgement but not without provocation.
Sensing something bad was about to happen, I went into the main group of Hawks supporters who were attempting to incite the Unley people and merely began shaking hands and congratulating them on their win. I was clearly a Jets supporter and the effect was to take the heat out of the situation. I also suggested they return to celebrating their imminent win rather than focus on our crowd.. things then seemed to settle. The whole incident whilst ugly was over quickly, tho some verbal taunting from both sides continued for a little while until the final siren sounded.
Grainger set the best example by acknowledging our team in a positive way and was dignified in victory. Some Hawks supporters were clearly keen to put the boot in despite the game being over - says more about them as people than the club I'd suggest. I would point out the Jets side remained on the ground throughout the pressos in respect of the winning side, despite being shattered at the result knowing they missed a huge opportunity for a flag.
As for suggestions that we throw projectiles at people? - sledging maybe, but anyone who would risk our club reputation by acting violently would be asked to leave and not come back. I have been at every home game in the last 6 years and have never seen or heard of it happening, so that comment is somewhat slanderous I'd suggest. We have too much to lose and have our sights set on bigger goals and will not tolerate that kind of behaviour at the club. Many of us have worked too hard to get the club into Div 2 to see our efforts ruined by idiotic behaviour.
In short, emotions got the better of some from both sides, it's over now - everyone needs to move on.