what's the point in even going to the rugby if you can't have a drink?

To watch rugby? Don't go if you need a drink to watch the game - simple

I was being ironic

Oh give me strength. It's not about *needing* a drink to enjoy the game, there's a bigger picture to consider.

Widnes as a club have deemed the behaviour of RL supporters to be so bad that they need to control the consumption of alcohol. They've decided that we can't be grown up enough and trusted enough to know how to drink alcohol responsibly. That doesn't sit right with me.

As RL fans we've always prided ourselves on our behaviour at matches. You only have to look at the major events (Wembley, OT, Magic etc) to see fans from all clubs mixing together with almost zero problems. We've distanced ourselves from soccer fans in terms of our behaviour and have been seen as a 'family-friendly' sport. Yes, there are always going to be people who drink too much at games and end up acting like a tool, but by and large we 'self-police'. Many a time I've seen a teenager at a game who's had a couple of shandys start acting up and get very short shrift from those around them.

It does seem that this is a knee-jerk reaction from Widnes in response to the semi final and serves to only punish the many due to the actions of the few. Personally, I don't see why us as Wigan fans should have to be punished as well, but it's their ground I suppose.

There could be an element of Widnes being seen to be doing something.

Is not being allowed a drink on the terraces really being 'punished' though. I'm sure if you and those around you try really hard you can manage without beer for two 40 minute periods.

I'm sure that they are trying to be seen to be proactive, but I just think they're being heavy handed. They published the photos of everyone who went on the pitch after the game on their website and it was widely reported in a lot of the national media so I think they are doing quite a lot. I'm sure I can survive without beer for 80 minutes, but it's just the insinuation that we can't be trusted anymore that I resent.

Maybe I'm just more annoyed because I'm missing a work night out on Friday but said I'd meet them after the game and was planning of having a couple at the ground to 'catch up'!

put a few 'miniature vodka's' in yer pantz, if Pies are struggling (doubt it) deck a few in the bogs, it'll be reet.....(from a Leyther)

Sticking my hand down my pants and then drinking what I take out in the bogs, is an image I don't need.

Todd Carney springs to mind!

I really don't think that drinking at grounds or even at your seat is an issue. Its the getting completely off your head in the hours before that that is the issue.

I needed a drink when I got home last night !