Smith's comments can only possibly serve to make things worse, and if his genuine intention was to protect Joel (as his comments suggest) then really he shouldn't have said anything at all. He must have known that no possible good could come of him asking SL fans not to chant at him?!
It's like the Dad who asks the kids at school to stop bullying his son.
On the chants themselves (regardless of whether Smith commented or not)... One person here had it spot on (sorry can't be bothered finding the quote!)... he did it for a laugh, thus he'll need to just laugh it off. If I'm totally honest, I don't think he deserved to lose his job over it in the first place, I mean he's a rugby player (big daft lads and all that), I certainly think getting sacked from your job, and ultimately having to leave the country because you were a bit pi[iss[/ied up with a few mates is over the top to say the least.
I honestly couldn't really give a monkeys what he did after a few beers, that said... I will be joining in with any chants when he gets to Headingley, not because I care what he did, or because I have a problem with what he did, or because I think he deserved to lose his job, but just because it's all part of the fun of match day. It's like booing at a pantomime when the "baddy" comes on. I think James Graham is a great player, hard worker, meter maker, unquestionable dedication but he whilst he plays for Saints, and I support Leeds, he will remain a Fat Ginger Ba***rd. If he ever moved to Leeds (and I'd have him too!) I'd be the first to argue that it's muscle and he's Strawberry blonde.
If Monaghan had signed for us, I'd have been grateful that a load of bo[ill[/iocks media hype has meant we've ended up with an Australian International Centre, and do my best to drown out the oppositions chants, as it stands, I'm the opposition and will be trying to get my chants heard. That's just how this "supporter" thing works.
Who's getting hurt with the chants? I mean REALLY, properly... who's getting hurt? Nobody. These boys take hits to the head & punch each other in the face, then share beers/bunks on tour with the International side, you're telling me he can't handle the chants?
I'm 28 and have no hair whatsoever, like properly none. I don't cry every time one of my mates calls me baldy. I wouldn't even cry if a gang of strangers started a bald chant when I was shopping in the Asda, and I CERTAINLY do not need my boss asking colleagues not to call me it (actually I work for myself but the point stands).
Sorry, this ended up pretty long!!
Summary:
Comments - Shouldn't have made them. Done no good whatsoever. Shocked at Mr. Smith to be honest.
Chants - It's part of his job and more fool him if he lets it get to him. Which I honestly don't think he will, I think he'll just get on with it.
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