An unwelcome storm has hit Barnsley FC this week, in the shape of the alleged abuse aimed at Billy Sharp, during the recent Keepmoat clash between Donny and the Reds.
Let me be very clear from the outset, I was unable to attend the game in person and I am not attempting to provide any witness account or third party version thereof.
Writing on subjects such as this alleged incident has also been an area I have vehemently avoided in the past, regardless of the cynical ability it may have to create debate and web traffic. But as a parent and football supporter, I feel compelled to add some of my thoughts and would welcome your feedback.
Latest reports suggest that a very small minority or an individual amongst the Barnsley FC support began a disgusting chant aimed at Sharp, but were immediately silenced by fellow Reds fans.
Accounts from the Doncaster Rovers management, directors and Billy Sharp also suggest that any offensive chants were not heard.
As I cannot provide a personal account, the story has already been widely reported and perhaps that it's best that I leave further detail to others.
Turn the clock back only two months, when Sharp appeared at Oakwell, in the season's first encounter between the sides and personally I can vouch for the warm welcome and sympathy extended to Sharp, by the vast majority of Barnsley fans. A gesture acknowledged by the player himself and one that was NEVER to be reported nor did it make any appearance on Forums.
Whilst this does not exonerate one potential individual or others, if they were responsible of such a sickening and abusive act, the earlier events should be seen as testament to the good will, feeling and human nature of the majority of Barnsley folk. The community seems to be being demonised.
This next concept certainly belongs in another post, but there are many questions now being raised in general about fan behaviour and the protection of players, even within our club itself, recently from Keith Hill.
Others have addressed the fact that imprisonment is in their opinion, the only solution for any guilty culprit, again referring to the Sharp incident.
Will we see an end to Leeds United's use of "Munich" references directed at Manchester United fans as a result?
The Celtic/Rangers sectarian divide is equally publicised too.
Both are highly emotive scenarios which can not be aggregated as better, worse or irrelevant to the Sharp incident or the wider debate.
Personally, I wish to extend my sympathies as a father, husband and a football fan to Billy Sharp and his family.
Let me be very clear from the outset, I was unable to attend the game in person and I am not attempting to provide any witness account or third party version thereof.
Writing on subjects such as this alleged incident has also been an area I have vehemently avoided in the past, regardless of the cynical ability it may have to create debate and web traffic. But as a parent and football supporter, I feel compelled to add some of my thoughts and would welcome your feedback.
Latest reports suggest that a very small minority or an individual amongst the Barnsley FC support began a disgusting chant aimed at Sharp, but were immediately silenced by fellow Reds fans.
Accounts from the Doncaster Rovers management, directors and Billy Sharp also suggest that any offensive chants were not heard.
As I cannot provide a personal account, the story has already been widely reported and perhaps that it's best that I leave further detail to others.
Turn the clock back only two months, when Sharp appeared at Oakwell, in the season's first encounter between the sides and personally I can vouch for the warm welcome and sympathy extended to Sharp, by the vast majority of Barnsley fans. A gesture acknowledged by the player himself and one that was NEVER to be reported nor did it make any appearance on Forums.
Whilst this does not exonerate one potential individual or others, if they were responsible of such a sickening and abusive act, the earlier events should be seen as testament to the good will, feeling and human nature of the majority of Barnsley folk. The community seems to be being demonised.
This next concept certainly belongs in another post, but there are many questions now being raised in general about fan behaviour and the protection of players, even within our club itself, recently from Keith Hill.
Others have addressed the fact that imprisonment is in their opinion, the only solution for any guilty culprit, again referring to the Sharp incident.
Will we see an end to Leeds United's use of "Munich" references directed at Manchester United fans as a result?
The Celtic/Rangers sectarian divide is equally publicised too.
Both are highly emotive scenarios which can not be aggregated as better, worse or irrelevant to the Sharp incident or the wider debate.
Personally, I wish to extend my sympathies as a father, husband and a football fan to Billy Sharp and his family.