Why Manchester United should indulge in community spirit - and service - to repair Barnsley hooliganism

By Ian Winwood

Published 11:16 29/10/09

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Welcome to the end of the world part 784. This time it comes from the boots and fists of Manchester United fans, who at Oakwell on Tuesday night took the trouble to smash up what their American owners would call a concession stand, and what we know as a burger bar. The hut was in the away end, and servers there had to barricade themselves inside as angry Herberts caused their bother. Eight people were arrested.

I was actually at this game – before you call me a glory hunter, I was supporting Barnsley; before you call me a fair-weather fan, I am going to see the team play away at Peterborough United on Saturday – and watching from the home stands I marvelled at the volume and passion of the visiting supporters. With the exception of those involved in the aforementioned monkey business, this is an opinion which still stands.

But let’s talk about the trouble. Why? Because how can we not? For the people caught in the crossfire (those trying to sell cups of Bovril, no doubt working for minimum wage) it must have been horrifying. Money is also reported to have been stolen, which while not only unpleasant is also stupid. The culprits are bound to be caught. There are cameras and coppers everywhere. It’s like robbing a bank on a bicycle.

Actually, no it’s not. Manchester United fans trashing the food kiosk at Oakwell is like someone visiting the home of a person much poorer than they are and then trashing their kitchen. Those who claim to support a team of haves wrecking some of the facilities at a club that has relatively little is, I think, the most unpleasant aspect of this squalid story.

But what’s done is done. Here’s how it should be fixed.

First of all, forget any talk about the return to the bad old days and bans for life and all that head-shaking, tut-tutting crap. Let’s not get hysterical; let’s get practical.

For one thing, Manchester United should pay for the damage their fans caused. The cost will be as nothing to them, and anyway, it seems like the only thing to do. It would be nice if the Red Devils did this without being asked, or forced.

What’s more, those found guilty of causing this mess should be given community service, but of a specific kind. They should made to work in the food kiosk that I hope Manchester United pay to get fixed. They should be forced to travel to Barnsley – assuming they’re not from Barnsley, which wouldn’t actually amaze me – every home game for the rest of the season and do their time selling pies and Twix’s.

What’s more, the wages that would be paid for these services were the servers not criminals should go to the staff that were victimised on Tuesday night. These people can have the rest of the season off, paid. Their jobs will be there waiting for them at the start of the next campaign.

Sound simple? Surely it is. Sound fair? You bet your season ticket it does.

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