it was my first visit to o-t and maybe my last,the atmosphere was really nasty at times,unlike wembley,went into a pub nr the ground full of leeds fans who though it was hilarious to push and shove me at the bar and tried to rip my wire top off whilst singing w@nky wire in my face,having left the pub had to endure more leeds idiots on the way to the ground,inside the ground was just as bad ,where i was at,full of s, cept for a few saints fans who i had a good banter with

and outside the ground waiting for my coach yet more abuse and leeds fans offering me out and spitting on me,i would not mind but they were middle aged and there women were just as bad! we all have our bad fans, but leeds fans are,-->> , imo ,the worst ive encountered, like i say,its just my own personal opinion,it just spoilt what should have been an enjoyable and memorable day.

Considering the ground is so 'big' I felt hemmed in and claustrophobic and had to sit forward just to get a decent view. And we were not in the cheaper seats either.

There's a picture in todays Guardian of a bloodied and battered Wire fan.

I had a great time at thenGF and never saw any trouble, loved the atmosphere and leeds out played us for the win.

I used to go the GF as a neutral until about 3 years ago. There's just so much tension built up around the last game of the season and that resonates around the ground and the fans. Previously I've found it very intimidating and won't go unless we get there, as I like to wear my wire top but this just attracts trouble.

Personally I don't think that the GF is a day for the Rl family to go and support this great game, that is the challenge cup. The GF creates a unique tension and I have seen more violence at GF's than any other game.

Forget the booze and segregation debate as we don't get that level of trouble at other games where beer is in full supply.

The showcase event for portraying RL is the challenge cup..... If you want intensity and tension then go to the GF

There are plenty of JCL's at Grand finals, and the fact that people have been drinking longer also makes a difference. I know a lad who is a Leeds United regular and he said the attendance was was down for the game against Barnsley, that suggests that there was quote a few of the football lost at the game. I also saw Man City/Wire fans I know who seemed intent on defacing the home of England's most succesful club with stickers.