Soccer -- I'll Pass

This weekend I finally went and watched my first pro soccer match. Newcastle vs Sunderland at St James Park (Newcastle). Newcastle came out on top, 5-1, but the real loss was for anyone in attendance who didn't know what they were getting themselves into. Much like customer service, there is no such thing as sportsmanship in England. It was vulgar. It was essentially 90 minutes of grown men chanting, singing, and cussing at the opposing team. They never really even rooted for their own team, just screamed at the opponents. This carried on before and after the game. It was so bad, that riot police were stationed throughout downtown Newcastle afterward, and Sunderland fans were given a police escort in and out of the stadium, and were bused in and out from another area. From what I hear, this is the norm. It was shameful. Even since then, people at work have asked me how the game was, and I want to slap them for knowing that this kind of thing goes on and nothing is being done about it. Helen even said that she was ashamed to be classed as one of these people after seeing that game. At pro football and baseball games you get the odd guy out that is like that, but honestly, this was the entire stadium joined in the same chant. I would've welcomed the vuvuzela's from the World Cup over this. during the game I saw 2 people get arrested, who knows how many actually were locked up throughout the game and ceremony following. The Olympics should be interesting.