Gee Euro Fans, What About You??

Recent incidents draw criticism from webmaster

SALINE, MICHIGAN  JULY 20, 2004

The behavior of American fans during international events has drawn criticism in recent years, most notably from Scot golfer Colin Montgomerie, who has been drenched with insults and taunts during trips to the US.   The apex of this abuse was probably the 1999 Ryder Cup matches in Brookline, MA, where the din of "Hey Mrs. Doubtfire!!" stills rings in the Scot's head.  Word is that officials are still trying to track down some of the biggest offenders.

Well, a few incidents of late should make us turn the spotlight back on our European friends.  Certainly the behavior of soccer fans has always been an issue, but the acts of the hooligans rarely interfere with the game.  But what about these?:

- Heckling Hamilton.  Did my ears deceive me, or during the British Open this weekend, after Todd Hamilton pulled his approach shot on 18 into the weeds, did the crowd rain down some whistles, cat calls, and other nonsense?  Methinks they did.  This crowd clearly was pulling for Ernie Els.  My take?  That's fine, but let's not pretend that the U.S. fans are the only ones that can hurl abuse.

- Frenchmen Cross Line.  During the incredible stage 13 of the Tour de France, again we witnessed the scene where Tour spectators basically get in the riders faces during some of the climbs.  I watched them literally push the riders, toss water upon them, wave flags immediately before them, and obviously scream at them.   I even saw some naked guy run out on the course (classic...this I forgive).   Armstrong and the other riders, at times, had to change their course to avoid a collision.  You might recall that Lance went down during last year's Tour after catching a fan's bag on his bike.  My take?  This is ridiculous.  These fools need to get off the course.  While there were clearly US fans and supporters included in this group, the majority of these a-holes are Euros.  Their behavior is unacceptable and they need to do something to keep these losers off the road.