Quote: Ganson's Optician "Personally I don't want to see segregation in our game and don't see any need for it.'"
Of course there's need for it. Look, I understand that the Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final rely heavily of attendance of nuetrals. If they were exclusively the preserve of supporters of the two clubs involved then they would be held at significantly smaller venues and the whole sense of event would be downsized, as would the revenue generated. I do get that. I therefore understand why full segregation can never be completely achieved because tickets have to be so freely available to all.
However, if we win on Thursday but then lost next Saturday the last thing I'll want as I feel the stake through my heart of failure again is a Wigan or Leeds fan jumping about celebrating in the seat next to me. Even worse than that would be someone in the colours of a team not even playing jumping about revelling in our misery - as I witnessed last year from the Widnes fans I mentioned earlier in this thread. You might think that would be a great laugh but it's not for everyone.
To me the RFL have got it right this time. The side stands are on sale for the nuetrals who want to go regardless and supporters of the clubs involved who want a better seat knowing they won't be in their own "end" as such and accept what comes with that. The two ends are held back for those who want to cheer on their team surrounded by their own fellow supporters. Absolutely as it should be, and infinitely less potential for aggro.