Clive Woodward Hits Out Rugby Fans’ Drinking Culture At Matches
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Clive Woodward has hit out at the drinking culture in Twickenham during rugby matches.
The former England coach, who led them to Rugby World Cup glory in 2003 has written in his Daily Mail of his frustration with fans who consistently leave their seats during games to go to the bar, creating a never-ending visual obstruction for fans in their seats.
Rugby stadiums, in comparison to football stadiums, allow fans to bring alcohol down to their seats during matches, something that many in attendance routinely take advantage of according to Woodward.
The former England boss however reckons it detracts hugely from the atmosphere within the stadium and has urged fans to restrict their antics to before and after the game so as not to disrupt.
“Twickenham is not primarily a public bar, it’s a wonderful ground where rugby must come first, second and third and where members of the public of all ages must feel completely comfortable and welcome,” Woodward said.
“I seemed to touch on a very raw nerve the other day when I mentioned how irritating the constant procession of fans to and from the bars and lavatories at Twickenham is getting during the game.
“It has got out of control recently and is fast becoming a real issue.
“I would seriously think about shutting the drinks outlets 10-15 minutes before kick-off and not opening them again until the final whistle is blown.
“Guys — and girls — it’s only an hour and 20 minutes with a 15-minute half-time break for essential calls of nature. Surely we can manage that? You wouldn’t think of behaving like this at a theatre or cinema.”
Does he have a point? Does it bother you when you’re at matches and does it detract from the atmosphere?
