YEARS ago, I took my small grandchild to see a rugby game - Wigan v St Helens.

Standing on the terraces was not a problem - until a group of away supporters started abusing people around them and uttering a stream of foul language.

I stood this disgraceful performance until half time, then spoke to a police inspector at one of the gates.

His reply was: "If you don't want to hear bad language, don't come to the game."

I was under the impression that it was a game to be enjoyed, not an exercise ground for louts.

The inspector eventually did place two officers in their midst and all aggravation ceased.

This small group could have caused bigger problems. You know the saying: "Cut off the head, the body will die."

MR K SOWERBUTTS, Southwood Drive, Baxenden.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.