WHEN IS ENOUGH ENOUGH?
I wanted to raise something following Saturday's fixture at Hereford, having attended the game as a King's Lynn Town supporter.
I'm not particularly interested in getting involved in the history or circumstances surrounding Paul Caddis and his departure from Hereford. Football clubs, managers and supporters will always have differing opinions, and that's part and parcel of the game.
However, what I witnessed and heard from sections of the home support, particularly behind the goal, was genuinely uncomfortable.
The King's Lynn manager was subjected to some horrendous personal abuse, including being labelled a paedophile and a tart. There were also chants and comments directed towards his wife and children. His family weren't even in attendance, yet their names and reputations were dragged into the occasion.
I actually spoke to a Hereford supporter after the game who was equally embarrassed by what had happened. He couldn't understand the level of hostility, particularly towards someone who, during his time at the club, had delivered two of Hereford's most successful seasons in their National League North history, achieving over 70 points.
That supporter made a point of saying that a small number of individuals are doing little to represent the football club or its wider fanbase.
So I ask the question: When is enough enough?
Is this genuinely becoming standard football behaviour nowadays? Is this what some of the new generation of so-called diehard supporters believe constitutes banter?
There is a huge difference between giving a manager stick, disagreeing with decisions, singing songs and creating an intimidating atmosphere, and making deeply personal allegations or dragging someone's wife and children into it.
Managers are human beings. They have families, children and lives away from football. They are also employed professionals simply trying to do their jobs. I wouldn't expect to walk into my place of work and be subjected to that level of personal abuse, so why should football managers be expected to accept it as part of the job?
What struck me most was that Paul didn't rise to any of it. He conducted himself with dignity on the touchline, focused on his team and ultimately walked away with three points.
I'm sure there will be people who disagree with this post, and that's absolutely fine. Football should encourage debate, opinion and passion.
But surely we can have all of that without losing basic standards of decency and respect?
Hereford FC is a fantastic football club with a proud history and a huge supporter base. It would be a shame if the behaviour of a small minority became the thing people associated with it.
So, what do you say, panel? Where do we draw the line between football banter and completely unacceptable personal abuse?
They need to weed out the ring leaders and Bar them there is no need for disgusting behaviour
Having travelled regularly watching Lynn have to say Hereford fans seem to, probably, be the worst set of fans when they lose a game. Let's not forget they also, allegedly, sent Caddis death threats and made comments about his family.
Just have to look at social media to see their responses to Lynn posts. Clearly some of them believe they're still a league club.
Like M A Hill said, only way to even try & stop it is to ban them. Clearly not fans.
Quote from: Steve1980 on November 02, 2026, 08:31:32 PMWHEN IS ENOUGH ENOUGH?
I wanted to raise something following Saturday's fixture at Hereford, having attended the game as a King's Lynn Town supporter.
I'm not particularly interested in getting involved in the history or circumstances surrounding Paul Caddis and his departure from Hereford. Football clubs, managers and supporters will always have differing opinions, and that's part and parcel of the game.
However, what I witnessed and heard from sections of the home support, particularly behind the goal, was genuinely uncomfortable.
The King's Lynn manager was subjected to some horrendous personal abuse, including being labelled a paedophile and a tart. There were also chants and comments directed towards his wife and children. His family weren't even in attendance, yet their names and reputations were dragged into the occasion.
I actually spoke to a Hereford supporter after the game who was equally embarrassed by what had happened. He couldn't understand the level of hostility, particularly towards someone who, during his time at the club, had delivered two of Hereford's most successful seasons in their National League North history, achieving over 70 points.
That supporter made a point of saying that a small number of individuals are doing little to represent the football club or its wider fanbase.
So I ask the question: When is enough enough?
Is this genuinely becoming standard football behaviour nowadays? Is this what some of the new generation of so-called diehard supporters believe constitutes banter?
There is a huge difference between giving a manager stick, disagreeing with decisions, singing songs and creating an intimidating atmosphere, and making deeply personal allegations or dragging someone's wife and children into it.
Managers are human beings. They have families, children and lives away from football. They are also employed professionals simply trying to do their jobs. I wouldn't expect to walk into my place of work and be subjected to that level of personal abuse, so why should football managers be expected to accept it as part of the job?
What struck me most was that Paul didn't rise to any of it. He conducted himself with dignity on the touchline, focused on his team and ultimately walked away with three points.
I'm sure there will be people who disagree with this post, and that's absolutely fine. Football should encourage debate, opinion and passion.
But surely we can have all of that without losing basic standards of decency and respect?
Hereford FC is a fantastic football club with a proud history and a huge supporter base. It would be a shame if the behaviour of a small minority became the thing people associated with it.
So, what do you say, panel? Where do we draw the line between football banter and completely unacceptable personal abuse?
Steve, A great post. Couldn't agree more and cannot see anyone on this forum disagreeing. To be fair, have been on their forum for a look, and the majority of people, even those that wanted to beat us even more, because of the gaffer still had positive things to say about his first two seasons there.
I've got to add I'm not taking our fans out of this either. The stick the manager has come in for particularly on several away occasions (Bedford in FA Cup) was appalling. All clubs have a minority who thrive of negativity I suppose.
Quote from: Steve1980 on November 03, 2026, 07:46:40 PMI've got to add I'm not taking our fans out of this either. The stick the manager has come in for particularly on several away occasions (Bedford in FA Cup) was appalling. All clubs have a minority who thrive of negativity I suppose.
Yes, I was at the Bedford game and heard the disgusting personal abuse hearled at our own manager by one of our own 'supporters'. Unfortunately there seems to be a section of our fan base who think going to a certain number of games gives them free licence to act in this way.