....Letter from an unnamed Barnsley supporter.... Wonder who that could be....Glad he's apologised though, even after all this time
Wrighty mentions the incident in his autobiography stating that as far as he is concerned Oakwell was possibly top of his list when it came down to being personally racially abused. The only way he could fight back, was to stick the ball in the opposition net and whilst he didn't say it, I bet when Arsenal played us, if involved, I would think he'd bust a gut just to do that very thing. Even though it's nearly 30 years ago, it's pleasing that this particular fan has had the moral courage to offer their sincere regrets for their part in the incident. Let's hope the apology has helped to lift the ill will IW must have felt for our Club for so many years and has gone some way to help dissipate those feelings.
Wrighty was my hero growing up, that Coca Cola cup game was a disgrace. Always wanted to meet Wrighty to put him straight about 99.9% of Barnsley fans. I think this letter goes along way to put right a terrible wrong in our history. When I read his autobiography and mentioned the game and our club it made me sick. Anyone who defends the actions of some our supposed fans that night need to give their heads a shake, or I'll help em if they like.
I don’t remember the game but I know he’s referred to it a few times now. Was it that bad? I clearly remember the monkey chants in the eighties but I don’t remember anything more than a few isolated ***** in the nineties.
Whilst I'm massive against racism and I like Ian Wright but he's got a cheek. As regards to that game I was lucky enough to hear Paul Futchers story as I went to college with him. Paul explains that all through the game Wright was in his ear saying I'm f**ckin Yr wife., repeatedly.. The next time barnsley played arsenal Wright went straight upto futchers and said I'm still f**ckin Yr wife... Whilst it's a funny story to put a player off his game you can't then publicly cry victim what fans were saying.
I remember sitting in the East stand in the early 2000s next to a group of lads who reeked of alcohol and passed a small glass bottle round that they all sniffed at. There was an on-duty Asian policeman on the side of the pitch that they continually racially abused. I also overheard their plans to ambush some Huddersfield supporters (we weren't even playing Huddersfield) at Wooley services on the M1. I think that was the most uncomfortable I've ever felt at Oakwell, they were totally odious and physically threatening.
Sledging goes on in all forms of sport but there's a line still. Making racist comments goes a bit beyond that. Not saying what Wright allegedly said is totally acceptable but there's a massive difference. Futcher wasn't being targeted for any specific reason- Wright was.
Without wishing to make light of what obviously sounds like a very unpleasant incident, why the fck would anyone want to sniff poppers at a football match?!
Sledging goes off in all sport as someone said. It’s meant to get in the psyche. Most would respond in kind. By saying stuff in return that would normally cause offence in a different environment. . Any player who got upset with sledging would present themselves as a target for all others to wade in. Futch would I’m pretty sure have ignored it. Or gave as good as he got in return. Most sportsmen would have a drink after the game and laugh it off. Cricket is renowned for it. Flintoff probably the master. If it got to the player the rest would join in. As for Futcher. he never played against Ian wright whist playing for Barnsley against Arsenal. Only possibly against Crystal Palace . Between 1985-89 Futch was not even playing in the Football league before that infamous game in 1995, He Left Grimsby in 1994.
Amyl nitrate, almost certainly what the bottle contained. It's a mild narcotic (completely legal I may add) popular at raves, as it gives you a 20-30 second head rush which intensifies the music and lights, before leaving you with a banging headache. Just what you need when watching Barnsley! Oh, and it's also popular on the gay scene, as it's a muscle relaxant, apparently relaxing one muscle in particular. Well you did ask!!