Very, very poor from the St Helens club on a number of fronts, from some (not all) of the stewards' behaviour to the well-documented parking problems and the decision to class flags as some kind of weapon of mass destruction. On the good side, every Saints fan we met on the day was fine with us, just good friendly banter and sensible rugby chit-chat.

To be fair to the police/stewards in regard to the searching at the gates. You do have a group of fans who refer to themselves as the ultras. Do you not think that this has an impact on how certain sections of your support are looked upon?

Your ultra fans could have been carrying knives or flares etc. I don't think you can criticise the policing and stewarding for being too cautious.

LOL.... Your biggest worry would have been if someone took a socket set and dismantled the ground..!!

If there was a precedent where a section of Wigan fans had been caught carrying blades then I could understand your argument. However, to my knowledge, there hasn't been and that's a weak attempt at justifying tactics that are unwelcoming and bordering on hostile.

If the boot was on the other foot your fans would be crying into their scouse about it.

is that why the chavs from st helens was hanging around like a bad smell? its a rugby league fan group who correspond and are in regular contact with the club with the sole intention to raise atmosphere and bring a together feeling between fans they arn't some underground organised fight club from football.

when there is a heavy amount of stewards and police officers for no other reason apart from rumours this will cause trouble.

Well me and my lad walked up to the turnstiles with a load of lads who had obviously been on the pop and were singing. They were all searched and we got through unchallenged. So if you want to get your flags and socket sets in next season you know how to do it!

The Saints fans were great as usual in my experience. They are proper fans much like ourselves who like a bit of 'friendly' banter but it never goes further.

Fully respect them unlike some sets.

In which case (and I don't disagree), then why did those in charge of the Stewarding feel the need to have such a bullish approach? Can't help but think a more passive line, with the option to front up when fully necessary, would have been better?

Hey I understand what your are saying mate.

I just think that the ultras name leaves you open, and could potentially bite you on the bum.

I do think the fan group thing is good, certainly for improving and generating an atmosphere. I just think 'ulltra' might lead people to think 'ey up, could be trouble here today'.