So because the word Negro can be deemed as being offensive, the Spanish and Portuguese should change the word, or not use it at all?

A balaclava is a garment used to keep your head and face warm. A scarf is used to keep your neck, and often your chin and lower face warm, should they be banned from general sale because some chose to hide their faces with balaclavas and scarfs while breaking the law?

A hooker is a prostitute, or perhaps it's a position in Rugby...

Ultra is a football hooligan, or perhaps it's a group of die hard supporters in Rugby.


It this man a hooligan?
No, it was November 2010 in Germany, and temperatures were below freezing.


Is this man a hooligan?
No, he's wearing a fire proof balaclava to protect his face from being burned.


Are these people hooligans? Look at them. Disgraceful. Climbing on the advertising hoardings, invading the pitch holding flares too.

Oh wait, they're not flares, the stadium is on fire, they're not climbing on the advertising hoardings, they're trying to evacuate the stand. Of course, that is the Bradford Stadium fire.


What i've proven here is that what you perceive as X Y and Z, is often the complete opposite. If you saw the guy in the 1st picture stood in the stands of the DW Stadium, would you brand him a hooligan?

Looks can be deceiving, as can words, and their often unsubstansiated interpretations.

My goodness. 'Knickers in a twist' probably didn't quite cover it.

I don't think the issue is really with people thinking that the Brigantes are hooligans. It seems the issue is whether a term that is associated with hooliganism (wrongly, but there have been some incidents of violence from ultras which can present that impression) is necessary for the Brigantes or whether using it simply makes it harder to get across the intentions of the group.

If there are Wigan fans who feel that the term ultras has too much of a negative connotation and might be off putting, is it still essential to use the term ultras? Or is getting more people involved more important?

I know I've been asking about it on the Brigantes forum and can understand that it's very possible that dropping the use of the term might not make any difference whatsoever, I just don't see how it's an essential part of what the group is doing.

You can make displays, flags, support the team as loud as you want and do everything that's currently done without being called ultras. Those things aren't exclusively 'ultra'

Quite. I think some of the posts from Brigantes members have done far more damage to the Brigantes, and for that matter would have put people off joining, than any of the posts from people that have offered constructive criticism.

Make sure you take your face coverings next tuesday, the north stand at Barton faces directly into the prevailing wind and you will be very cold

Plus the low angle of the terracing means any rain will basically blow under and onto everybody in the stand, even the top rows will get drenched

I seriously doubt that if changed our name and identity we would all of a sudden have an influx of people wanting to jump on board with us.

If only 30-40 people out of our 16k average are interested then thats fine, we are happy with that. If people want to join in at the big games, they are welcome to do so.

People who have an agenda against us will not change just because of a name, much of it is based on their made up sterotypes and the lack of knowledge people have about the Ultras scene. If we go another 5 season and not one Brigantes member gets into a fight, surely we will have proved it is not a violent cause and people may be more happy to join.

Ultras bus leaving for Salford from th'old Gas showrooms on Tuesday.

PM me or 21-12 if interested. Cheers

Using the Bradford fire to try and make a point about the group is one of the most tasteless and bizarre things I've ever seen on here, and makes you and the group you're trying to defend not one any right minded individual would want to be associated with. You might want to try and rethink that one.

OK, find me a post or any form of evidence where any of the people involved have said they are a better fan than anyone else?

We havent. We arent. Beyond the norm is waving flags and singing songs constantly. That isnt considered normal otherwise every sporting ground in the world would be awash with flags and noise.

Someone who decides to support the team in the normal manner of the occasional chant is as equally as good a fan because they are there each week and I havent seen anyone suggest otherwise.

I wouldnt say the posts from myself, odem, onedego etc are dummy spits. Were just trying to defend our corner when being labelled hooligans, idiots and people who think were better than others

I thought the thread should be locked as this doesn't seem like the ideal place to raise concerns. There's no need for a Brigantes v The World debate.

I'm sure the group are willing to hear any concerns, criticisms or suggestions; I just don't believe a 18 page long thread will do anyone any favours.

i was wondering where you were Andy youve missed it all

Seriously though, i know the majority of the fella's that run the Brigantes club and ive even helped raise some dosh for the flags (mines a pint) i can also be seen wearing a brigantes scarf and badge crackin set of folk and i honestly canny imagine Brian, Chris, Paul, Dave, Roy or Andyy to name but a few running about sticking stickers on lamp posts balaclava'd up

Great stuff and keep up the good work lads

what a very interesting thread, BK you are a legend

Right. My final post on this thread. If you have any ideas how the atmosphere can be improved at Wigan games then come to the next meeting, post it on the Brigantes board or send an email to wrlbrigantes@hotmail.co.uk it WILL be discussed.

Right. My final post on this thread. If you have any ideas how the atmosphere can be improved at Wigan games then come to the next meeting, post it on the Brigantes board or send an email to wrlbrigantes@hotmail.co.uk it WILL be discussed.

Using what happened at Bradford to some how make a point about your little group is ing disgusting.

Edit - just seen that Andy has already mentioned it.

Agreed. Defo last post