Let's be clear, this is not all football, but only one particular form of it: soccer. The difference in on-pitch behaviour between soccer players and players of, say, rugby union football, is noteworthy. Similarly for the difference in the behaviour of fans. As a commentator at Parc des Princes noted 9 days ago, opposing fans were intermingled -- there was no separate spectator seating for supporters of the opposing teams, and this could never happen at a professional soccer match. Even yesterday in a "needle" match at Gloucester, the spectators were mixed.

Those who regulate soccer need to take things in hand and sort out the behaviour of the players, then that of the fans may follow suit.

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Stephen