Aussie fans are a credit to their nation

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Paoli69

Just incase you haven't realised, the Aussies can take a joke (even Glenn McGrath) and I'm sure Brian Lara's men can.

Glenn McGrath off the pitch was a great bloke. Met him took his picture. Great Guy. Most of the Armies songs are aimed toward the Aussies. Who are the best at coping with the songs at seem to enjoy them (Merv Hughes doing excersises in front of them anyone else remeber that?)

I think the Barmy Army add character and a sense of fun, even when losing.

However, I do agree that some specators may not enjoy it in the same way and, as OF has actually seen England abroad I fully respect his views, that maybe there should be areas of the grounds designated to the Barmy Army (they know there coming) and areas for the more cerebral fans. My belief is that Cricket is a great sport and can be enjoyed in different ways, and there is nothing wrond with any way of enjoying the sport.

I do get annoyed when so-called elitists slag off those that like to have a beer and a laugh though. I also get annoyed when the Bramy Army are likened to racists and football thugs, just because they view the game with a beer in their hand and a smile on their face.

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Rachael

Re: attending: I prefer going along to watch local village cricket. More civilised.

Rachael,

You obviously don't get too close. What a nice image it is, Cricket on the Village Green.

I have played village Cricket for 15 years. Some of the worst language I have ever heard have been on a Cricket pitch. I have witnessed a couple of fights between players. Umpire abuse. (I have been called a cheat and a liar while umpiring and verbally abused for making honest decisons)

If some of these events happened in the Proffesional game there would be long bans and big fines.

Village Cricket is not or the faint-hearted I can tell you.

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

"just because they view the game with a beer in their hand and a smile on their face."

yes people see the barmy army like this and automatically think they are like footy hooligans. i dont think the barmy army are that bad. and the idea of a seperate area designated to them sounds like a very good idea. because they can definately disturb some people, even if they dont mean to

[flanflinger]

M,

Some wear Football shirts - most don't. They like a beer, most English people do (it is part of our culture - one that most Test Match countries also share) and they like singing (not chanting there is a difference), that means they are the same as groups of young men who use Football as a reason to go around and beat each other/police/by-standers up.

There is a huge difference between normal football fans and Holligans, and an even bigger difference between Cricket fans and Football thugs.

Question when was the last time a Barmy Army memebr was arrested for any form of Violence?

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

yes flanflinger, but to an outsider they all appear similar or the same thing

[flanflinger]

Originally Posted by Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1

but to an outsider they all appear similar or the same thing

I have been known to wear a football shirt (not for a few years Prefer Rugby and Cricket shirts now) drink beer and like a good old sing-song (mainly in church). Would they make me a hooligan?

Originally Posted by Me

Question when was the last time a Barmy Army memebr was arrested for any form of Violence?

My point here is that the Barmy Army is well known as not being violent or aggresive, so why would you asssume that they would be?

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

im not assuming that, but foreigners might assume that they are hooligans. many of the locals may hev never heard of this 'barmy army' and find them quite 'in your face' and threatening

[flanflinger]

RDisNo1

I would have said that 5-10 years ago, but they are now well established and have travelled to most Test countries aroung the world.

I would expect in Australia, South Africa and the West Indies there would be an automatic assumption they will be there. In which case I agree with OF, and they should prepare a special part of the ground for them, it would make sense.

[Rahul_Dravid_is_No.1]

yes they are well-established but if you were to go to the south asian countries i can guarantee many of the local supporters will not have heard of the barmy army.

[dagonz]

How do you think the general public, Australia in particular, will take the chants from the barmy army if England start winnig ashes battles? We donn't know yet because we haven't seen it.