Whilst on the subject of football vandalism, I do believe it's a relatively small minority outside the stadia who are responsible. I wonder how many of them actually have tickets or have just gone intent on causing mayhem. In these days of CCTV and facial recognition software it should surely be easy enough to identify those involved and hit them with the full weight of the law? I have zero sympathy for any who claim to be innocent bystanders since there are plenty of areas where no trouble occurred.

Inside the stadium, I think it is widely accepted that the trouble on Saturday was instigated by the Russian supporters isn't it?

totally agree! One problem is that even the light hearted banter and 'gesticulation', for want of a better word can be taken as a signal to start the trouble for those just out to find a victim. Even the wearing of national symbols and signs which indicate your support can make an innocent individual a target for those just looking for and desiring trouble. Very sad!

Cycling has virtually zero violence amongst supporters. Families can go there (for free) and see some real athletes (rather than a bunch of posers) without feeling in any way intimidated.

Of course, you have to go into Europe to see some serious cycling......rather than the amateurish events in the UK.

Not entirely sure Chris Froome would agree with that, Ian, given what happened last year! 

Team Sky raise the alarm as Tour de France fans turn violent

Read more at http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/racing/tour-de-france/team-sky-raise-the-alarm-as-tour-de-france-fans-turn-violent.

So, a Team Sky rider feels the pressure from the Tour......riders have always been put under huge pressure of all sorts. It is the world's biggest sporting event, after all. Some just don't cope very well with it.

The fans and supporters are perfectly safe though.

The atmosphere at the side of the road is fantastic, friendly and safe. It's also free!

Le tour being free to watch will attract families and adults of all ages. It is a family event.

Unlike international soccer which is for prancing primadonnas with a predaliction for weeping ,rolling on the ground and squealing in pain when somebody takes the ball off them, they need to join the actors trade union. . This behavior is watched by people who are willing to pay through the nose to be bored.  This boredom manifests itself in smashing bottles over other spectator's heads and other violent behavior.

Yes international soccer involving English fans has its moments.

K

Congratulations also to the Irish team in beating South Africa.Their soccer team didn't do too badly either this afternoon against Sweden.

Congratulations also to the Irish team in beating South Africa.Their soccer team didn't do too badly either this afternoon against Sweden.

Write your comments here...Drat, I was betting on Sweden winning . Oh well you cant win them all.

K

Just watched Italy slice Belgium to pieces, I fancy Italy to go all the way, they may not be ranked very well but they are a team who work for each other, not a load of individual prima donnas, just my opinion....

My sympathy goes to the thousands of decent fans who go to international tournaments to enjoy the football. 

This enjoyment is ruined by a small core of Thugs and Vandal.  They give their country and decent majority of fans of that country a bad name. Unfortunately England is a victim of the actions of that small number of antisocial fans.

K