Interesting reply from Aston Villa fan to Newcastle supporter’s ‘lack of class’ accusation
In response to the article by Dean Wilkins (read it here) on The Mag, let it go chap!
As a 57 year old lifetime Aston Villa fan (Yes I was there when we won the European Cup), I’ve just read your article with my jaw on my desk, whilst holding my groin to stop me from wetting myself.
I’ve attended the last four meetings between our clubs (home and away) and look forward to tomorrow’s encounter, where I will be sat in the New Aston Social Club, just around the corner of the ground (probably with some of the sad Villa fans that you refer to in your article).
Aston is a working class area outside of the city centre, unlike St James Park which is ideally located to enjoy the many pubs and the great atmosphere that most Geordies create prior to the match.
Talk to some of your fan base who prefer to drink in Birmingham City centre (10 mins in a cab, 5 mins on a train) for a like for like experience.
Personally, I’m glad Aston is an away fan unfriendly area as I’m old school and believe football should be tribal and not a haven for half and half scarfers and football tourists, who spend too much time taking photographs and putting them on social media.
That’s not endorsing hooligan behaviour, or threatening drunken fans, of which by the way you have your fair share of both (two seasons ago coming out of your away end – it’s freely available on youtube to witness).
Like the majority of our fan base I don’t hold any unusual rivalry feelings towards Newcastle , the relegation banners were just banter. Likewise, the banner supporting two of your own (Liam & John) who tragically lost their lives was genuine and supportive.
Dean, I think you are over fickle and would probably make a very good Aston Villa fan…
Hope you do the right thing on 7 minutes tomorrow!
(***Villa fans are planning a minute’s applause on seven minutes, for young supporters 7 year old Jack Edwards, who tragically died from Leukaemia recently)
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