Player / Fan Rage - what would you do?
SAFCSA Dinner marred by trouble
A dinner to mark the 40th anniversary of the SAFC Supporters' Association (SAFCSA) was marred by violence last Friday night, culminating in Richard "Dickie" Ord being arrested, and Phil "Tippy" Gray receiving hospital treatment.
The Sunderland Echo reports that the trouble began at the function when former player Gray was criticised by fans at the dinner for talking while Charlie Hurley was giving a speech. Gray answered back, and ended up being restrained by Kevin Ball when events got out of hand, and security were eventually called to help calm things down.
Gray and Ord left the Stadium in the early hours and headed to the Marriott Hotel in Seaburn but became involved in another incident outside the hotel, allegedly with supporters who had been at the dinner.
Ord says the fight was sparked by the supporters, angry at Gray's behaviour at the dinner, who then ran off when Ord called the police - police who subsequently arrested Murton resident Dickie on a charge of being drunk and disorderly (he was later cautioned and released).
Gray was taken to hospital for treatment as a result of one of the supporters biting his ear.
Richard Ord said, "Phil had an argument at the stadium where we had this do. When we came out of the taxi they've been waiting for him. There were seven or eight of them and they've jumped on him like maniacs - biting his ear.
"By the time the police came they had scarpered. The police came in and saw me and victimised me, put me straight into cuffs without waiting for an explanation.
"It was a tremendous night. It was nice to see some old friends. It's just been spoiled by some idiots and the police. I'm disgusted by the whole thing - I've never been arrested or in trouble in my life."
George Forster, chairman of the SAFCSA, said he was "very cross, and sad, about the whole thing."
posted by Jim Gilling - Secretary SAFCSA Coxhoe Branch @ 9:22 PM
4 comments
4 Comments:
Phil Gray should know better than to speak when a legend is in full flow.
Gray doesn't sound as though he's changed much since his Sunderland days. If I recall he was in a scrape with Rogerson and Ferguson in his first week and alcohol was involved at that time too.
If I'd been in Bally's shoes I'd have looked the other way.
Dickie Ord, well he's from Murton and will no doubt know how to look after himself.
Shame.
Was listening to them talking about it on the 3 Legends last night. Although it did not spoil the night it's a shame that a so-called 'honoured guest' should cause trouble and take the shine off what looked like a great evening.
As they were talking about the incident they moved on to the fact that none of the modern players, including those from the recent past i.e. Arca, Quinny, could be bothered to attend the function. They concluded that modern players didn't want to socialise with ordinary supporters but wanted to live in a world apart from the very people who pay their extortionate wages.
Obviously the only loyalty which exists is that of supporters to their clubs and any allegiance of players to supporters has long since disappeared. Doesn't make you feel good though - the same players who are idolised by supporters couldn't give a toss about them.
To be fair Billy, Arca would be in training and preparing to leave for the North American tour. Quinny as you know is a true gent and was always willing to put in an appearance ( for no fee) when he was able. He is also a bloke who would speak to you in the street.
The players at the club these days seem much more accessible than the prima donna's that Reid created during the short stay in the Premiership last time.
Gates has no room to castigate or criticise anyone.
To be fair these things can be a bit of a mare for the players involved. Only recently I had to restrain a couple of drunks who wanted to have a go at a certain hatrick legend just because he was defending Bob Murray!and it was a question and answer session. There was also the time when Keiron Brady was almost set upon because he revealed how much the British medical Council coughed up for his mis treatment, these lads were furious that keiron is now almost a millionaire...I think he deserved every penny to be honest.
Buying a season ticket doesn't give anyone the right to verbally abuse players UNLESS it's during the game!
Oh and Phil Gray is a bit of a prick to be honest!
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