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Apr 22 2009

Game 4 Postmortem

Posted by Michael in April 2009
From: defjef1@gmail.com
Subject: Game 4 postmortem

I am a diehard Pittsburgh fan. I moved to the Philly area about 10 years ago. I want to like this city and its people. We’re statemen for crying out loud. But, they make it impossible. I went to game 4 between the Pens and Flyers last night. I was hoping to walk away from this game with some kind of ammunition to defend against the notorious Philadelphia fan reputation. It didn’t work out that way.

Sadly, I am still feeling the affects from our treatment last night at the Wachovia Center. I expect taunting and actually welcome it. Getting booed and listening to chants of “you suck” and “go home” are all in good fun. Faggot and cocksucker cross the line. I can’t begin to count the number of times they were used. Faggot especially. It gets personal too. It’s one thing to be in the concourse or walking to your seat and hearing chants, it’s another for the guy in front of you to turn around, point his finger in your face and tell you that you’re a faggot. I feel badly for the fathers and their sons having to listen to that nonsense for hours. Family entertainment, right? We were in the restroom after the first period. There was a seven-or-so year old next to us yelling “Penguins stink” and the whole bathroom was laughing. It was cute. Then everyone decided to break into chants of “you’re a faggot.” I can picture the ride home – “daddy, what’s a faggot?” While we waited in line for the bathroom, we had the two biggest assholes of the night in front of us. A Pens fan came out, and they got in his ear. Another Pens fan came out and one of them snatched the hat off his head. After a little pushing and shoving the guy got his hat back and left. Then the assholes turned around and saw us. Things got pretty heated and it really came close to blows. If that exchange happened outside, I guarantee my one buddy (he has an affinity for fist fights) would have knocked his teeth out. But, hey – we came to watch the Pens, not throw down with some drunk ignorant fools. Those dudes came to this game looking for a fight, and they weren’t the only ones. You would think that at $90 a seat, these kinds of people don’t go to the games, but they do. Not everyone is like this. There are some good ones. We talked to several friendly fans who actually came to watch hockey. One guy apologized to us about the bathroom incident and commended our handling of it. Nothing was thrown at us. Besides the bathroom incident, all abuse was verbal. I can’t say the same for everyone else – fisticuffs broke out in the adjacent section after the final horn.

The goon-ery doesn’t stop with fan-on-fan crime. It’s the way they watch the game, and their judgment of what’s important. They are more interested in big hits than good hockey. On several occasions the Flyers made a nice check, but as a result, the Pens moved the puck forward or cleared the zone on a power play. The fans went nuts each time. Why are we rooting for different teams and clapping at the same time? Oh, because I’m applauding good hockey and you’re just thinking how awesome the hit was. Who cares that you’re down 2-0 and just lost 20 seconds of a power play – did you see that hit? The booing of Crosby was ridiculous. I expect some booing – it’s a sign of respect, but their constant abuse made me think that they really think he sucks. He’s a pussy and the only reason he is good is because the NHL and refs have his back and give him every call. Absolute buffoons.

I’ve seen my hometown teams in the following cities, and I’ve never been treated anything close to this: Detroit, Chicago, Boston, New York, Houston, St. Louis, Cleveland and Baltimore. Yes, even Cleveland is civilized compared to Philly.

If you ever plan to watch your hockey team in Philly, especially in the playoffs, follow these rules and you will probably make it out OK…

1. Check your ego and dignity at the car (not the door, the car). Bringing these items with you will get you killed.
2. Do NOT wear a hat. If you do, you’re just begging for a confrontation.
3. Avoid direct eye contact.
4. Try to wear your team’s shirt with nothing on the back – this will limit the attacks from behind.
5. Keep at least one buddy with you at all times.
6. Avoid the bathroom as much as possible.
7. Remain in your seats after the game. Stay until the usher asks you to leave.
8. Use the escalator – do NOT use the stairwells. This was recommended to us by the usher after the game. She said if we take the stairs, we’re on our own.

Go Pens!

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009 at 4:11 pm and is filed under April 2009. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

  • Derf
    they do at least respect talent
    No they don't. Stop trying to sugarcoat Philly fan stupidity. You can try to push that line of bullshit on someone who's never had to deal with Philly fans directly. But, don't insult my intelligence or anyone else who knows better.

    Unfortunately, the negativity surrounding the perspective of the stereotypical Philadelphia sports fan is fueled by national media, because everyone needs a scapegoat. It’s a very very very small minority that gives the city it’s reputation then can be compared to any other sports city.
    No it's not. I also have been to more than a few arenas/stadiums in my lifetime. Philly fans have rightfully earned their reputation as being the biggest pieces of shit around. It has very little to do with what the "media" says you fucking clown.

    Walk tall but keep your mouth shut, and you should be alrite.
    That's just fucking stupid. People should be able to go to a game and expect some ribbing. But, (and this is what the guy who wrote the email tried to say), Philly fans go way overboard because they're overzealous shit stains.

    Philly fan stupidity and contempt for anything non-Philly is legendary. If there's any "scapegoating" going on, it's Philly fans trying to mask their monumentally pathetic existence by blaming everyone else for the reputation they've earned. Is that hard to understand?
  • Rob
    Sorry that a few bad fans ruined your night.

    Just going to say, all cities have bad fans. There's a reason why I won't go to Mellon Arena anymore, and I don't think it's all the fans, but 3-4 of them ruined my night and I did nothing to instigate. Hockey fans in general are a bit more hostile, as the game is a bit more high-paced violence compared to football.

    There's quite a few stadiums I won't attend anymore. Will NEVER go to another LA or Oakland game (that was just stupid though on my part thinking it might be better then some of the stories I've heard). Will never go to a DC game again. Will never go to another Canadiens game. Very wary of going to another Yankees game (though that new stadium, not ballpark, is quite nice...).

    Still, I have the stones not to put up with crap either. Walk tall but keep your mouth shut, and you should be alrite. Note: *should be* alrite. Alcohol + males ages 18-40 + sports venue = unrulyness. It happens everywhere. Again, sorry your night was ruined by a few bad fans. Do yourself a favor, friend a few people who are local fans and go with them. That's what I try to do whenever I visit another stadium. My g/f's brother does the same for me whenever I go see a RedSox/Patriots/Bruins game, and I do the same for him.
  • Derf
    YO FUCK YOU!
    And that folks, it how you start an intelligent rebuttal.

    Philly fans are some of the most intelligent fans in the world.
    laughs!!! Even I know you're not stupid enough to believe that.

    I had gone to a Flyers game and did witness a Buffalo fan being tormented, especially after Richards scored shorthanded, but that’s the heart of being at your home rink.
    Yes. Being tormented *is* expected. But, Philly fans take it entirely too far because they're subhuman pieces of shit.

    If you don’t like the way Philly fans treat you, the STAY THE FUCK OUT OF PHILLY!, simple as that!
    I only frequent Philly when I have to. Trust me on that one. But Philly fan stupidity is well traveled. I go to other arenas and you stupid fucking assholes are just as belligerent (as long as your in packs).

    The torment the fans give to players, such as bitch ass Crosby, are the reason why home ice advantage is called home ice.
    Of course. But Philly fans are overly abusive assholes. They'd cheer an opposing player getting his skull crushed and bleeding to death on the ice. If it guaranteed a "win", you shit stains would probably bomb the plane the opposing team was flying in on.

    You call us retarts and morons, but that is why every team in the NHL is scared to play in philly, and that is a fact!
    Two things. First, it's *retard* you dopey jackass. And secondly, No NHL team is scared to play in Philly you blubbering ass clown. The only thing I've read/heard over the years is opposing players who have said that the Philly crowds can be intense and verbally abusive. But that comes with the territory. Professional hockey players are a pretty thick-skinned bunch. Philly isn't the only arena where they deal with verbal abuse you stupid schmuck.

    The players that philly fans admire are hard working and have earned there respect, it wasnt just dropped into their arms and cradled like baby crosby. He is the sadest excuse for a hockey player i have ever seen.
    Philly fans don't admire any player that isn't wearing their colors. Don't insult our collective intelligence by stating otherwise. As for respect? You window licking jackasses don't even respect your own players, let alone anyone else.
  • Rob
    "Philly fans don’t admire any player that isn’t wearing their colors. Don’t insult our collective intelligence by stating otherwise. As for respect? You window licking jackasses don’t even respect your own players, let alone anyone else."

    That's not true. While the vast majority might not like other teams, or their players, they do at least respect talent. We just hate it when it's not on our team. Is that hard to understand?

    Unfortunately, the negativity surrounding the perspective of the stereotypical Philadelphia sports fan is fueled by national media, because everyone needs a scapegoat. It's a very very very small minority that gives the city it's reputation then can be compared to any other sports city. The mid-west is a little bit more laid back, but even I've had problems with some fans out there in the National League's marquis franchise Cardinals. And that's one of the most laid-back groups there is.


    I travel a lot and hear so many things about this or that fanbase, and usually it's from rival fanbases. That's not to be said that I've not heard NY fans complain about the west coast, and LA complain the east coast.

    Welcome to the Sports World. We love our sports, but hate you. Enjoy.
  • Derf
    I was laughing so hard (I nearly cried) watching the Philly fans sulk in their cute little orange t-shirts as Pittsburgh embarrassed them in game 6. Their hatred for Crosby made it even sweeter when he banged in the empty-netter. Maybe those t-shirts should read "Orange Flush" instead?

    But, it won't be long before they change back into their green diapers & start crying about their precious little Eagles again. Until then, I'm sure there's plenty of 9 yr. olds to pour beer on! [laughs!]
  • Derf
    Half of them think I’m a faggot.
    Of course they do. How dare you insult their public display of idiocy. [laughs] Fucking morons.

    Maybe if, just once, every Philly fan put on an opposing jersey and went to a game, the assholery would come down a notch
    That's the problem. You have to single them out. Like I said, they only have balls in numbers. I run into "packs" of them at other arenas and they're not much different. However, if there's only 1 or 2 of them, they're not so quick to run their mouths anymore. Unfortunately, that's a rarity.

    Somewhere in the Philly Fan Manifesto, it probably states that every Philly fan must make a genuine attempt at being a stupid fucking asshole at all costs. [laughs]
  • Jeff
    The weather service should name all tornado's and hurricane's" Philadelphia's". Because we all know tornado's suck and hurricanes blow.
  • Name
    See now how are you any better than the people you're crititicizing?
  • Jeff
    I would say piss on philly,but some moronic fan would drink it.
  • Gonzo
    Ha. Nah, I dont write for the Inqy. I found this site via Major League Jerk. Very cool site and pretty much true about Philly fans.
  • Jeff
    If shit rolls downhill,then philly is the Abyss.
  • I agree if everyone experienced the other side, things would be different.
  • Jeff
    Thanks for your kind words. I think what irks me the most is the kids. I think back to my childhood and how fun it was going to see the Pens and Steelers. If I was raised a Philly fan, I would not take my son to a hockey game and expose him to this ugliness. Not until he was at least 10. And, that's just plain sad.

    Without question, if you take a head count, these people are in the minority. But, there's enough of them to spoil your time. It's not just a few bad apples. It's not like sitting in a different section would have provided a different experience.

    I forwarded this to all of my Philly friends, who forwarded it along to their buddies (30-40 year olds). Half of them agree with me and think it's sad. Half of them think I'm a faggot. But, these folks can't relate. It would be an interesting experiment for them to go through it once. Maybe if, just once, every Philly fan put on an opposing jersey and went to a game, the assholery would come down a notch.
  • Joe
    Is that Gonzo from the Philadelphia Inquirer? Ando also as a Philadelphia fan and resident, I am very sorry for what happened and that a few scumbags ruined your time....I am truly embarassed as a fan to hear those things happened to you.
  • Gonzo
    As a resident of Philly, I am embarassed to read this. Philly fans are the worst.
  • Derf
    Pathetic lot aren't they?

    Now here's the funny thing. Take any one of those pieces of shit, single them out & I guarantee they don't have the balls to say anything to you. Philly fans grow balls so long as there's at least 10 of them to your 1. In fact, the only ones who aren't afraid to back up the talk are a bottle deep & too busy pouring beer on 9 year olds.

    Who cares that you’re down 2-0 and just lost 20 seconds of a power play – did you see that hit?
    My man, now you understand why Philly fans are the laughing stock of any major sport. They're flagrantly stupid & (amazingly) proud of it. I know exactly what you're talking about. (I think Flyer fans are the quintessential window lickers of the Philly fan base but, Eagle fans are a very close second).

    I’ve seen my hometown teams in the following cities, and I’ve never been treated anything close to this
    That's why Philly & its pathetically asinine fans have the reputation that they do. They just don't "get it". They attribute their lack of inhibition & public display of idiocy to loyalty and/or passion. I don't think I've ever seen a bigger bunch of morons try to sugarcoat such monumental retardation with excuses.

    Then again, they're Philly fans. They're probably too fucking stupid to know any better. [laughs]
  • Jeff
    YO FUCK YOU! Philly fans are some of the most intelligent fans in the world. I'm not a resident of Philly, but of Camden and follow Philly's sports teams religiously. As a hockey player i admire the good hockey plays made during the game. I had gone to a Flyers game and did witness a Buffalo fan being tormented, especially after Richards scored shorthanded, but that's the heart of being at your home rink. If you don't like the way Philly fans treat you, the STAY THE FUCK OUT OF PHILLY!, simple as that! The torment the fans give to players, such as bitch ass Crosby, are the reason why home ice advantage is called home ice. You call us retarts and morons, but that is why every team in the NHL is scared to play in philly, and that is a fact! We admire skill, such as Ovechkin, Hossa, and even Malkin. The players that philly fans admire are hard working and have earned there respect, it wasnt just dropped into their arms and cradled like baby crosby. He is the sadest excuse for a hockey player i have ever seen. He has skill, dont get me wrong, but doesnt have the work ethic, and crys when he doesn't get his calls. You pens fans should rip that C off of Crosbys jersey, and give it to a player who can produce more points in clutch situations, a prime example is Malkin. i rest my case.....get at me!

    1
  • Dave
    Good call, Jeff. By the way, how did Crosby look lifting that cup?

    Hope you enjoyed.
  • derek
    The booing of Crosby was ridiculous. I expect some booing – it’s a sign of respect, but their constant abuse made me think that they really think he sucks. He’s a pussy and the only reason he is good is because the NHL and refs have his back and give him every call. Absolute buffoons.

    If you noticed every time CONTACT was made a scrum ensued. He would also chirp to Mike Richards while he had Gill or Orpick in front of him. But every thing else i agree on.
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