Topic:Report Post to Moderators
It seems a shame that such a great night of sport should be marred by the repeated reference to victimisation of the Scottish supporters so I would just like to add a final comment which I hope will end reference to it.
As mentioned previously I thought both sets of supporters were fantastic and would definately be welcomed back to UNLEASHED - without exception. Kickboxing is a contact sport, it should evoke emotions. We expect and indeed welcome the riavlous chants and indeed if it weren't for these type of supporters events would be very dull and lacking in atmosphere.
As event promoters we did however have responsibilities to the less vocal - especially the women and children not to mention our hosts the TIC. As a former police officer and senior doorman with an international nightclub group I also consider myself qualified to pass comment.
Bottom line in situations where there appears to be potential for a flare up it is customary to focus on the intersection between the rival supporters and then to target the main instigators. On three ocassions I felt obliged to intervene and in each instance the same primary culprit was repeatedly posturing in aggressive manner, using abusive language and making threatening gestures which in police terms constituted a threat of 'potentially inciting a riot'. In this instance the guy in question was Scottish but it would have made no diference if he had represented USKA, any other party or even our own club Bai Lang.
The guy also had a counterpart in the rival section but as he was well away from the intersection he was of lower priority.
It does have to be said however that on each ocassion I approached the guy in question he immediately withdrew and excercised full respect leading me to believe that he was not an actual activist although his demeanour suggested differently.
I have also held my hands up to the fact that there should have been two standing areas or at least one area with a natural divide but in reality the floor plan was arranged well before the ring orientation established. As such it was not until mid way through the show that the problem was identified. Next time, there will be two standing areas where both sets of supporters can vocalise.... and lets hope they do!
Back on topic, considerable mention of Qas and Ronnie (justifiably so) but what about the other fighters ... Gary maintaining his unbeaten run and 66% KO ratio? Chantelle? Howard? All great fights!
Ryan, just picking up on your post, DVD's will be available soon from the event website www.UNLEASHEDfightnights.co.uk. Photos of the event were taken by Andy and will be available to purchase from www.kickboxingphotos.co.uk. Be nice to see some examples posted though :-)