Intolerance

[washyrover]

I went to Saturdays game with my 12year old son,who is autistic. We sat on the back row near the press box. My son stood on his chair leaning on the wall at the back of the stand before the game as he couldn't see because other people in front had stood up.The person in the seat next to him told him to get down and gave some excuse of a reason why. During the first half my son was loud and shouting on the rovers the two poeple next to us didn't speak and they kept looking at my son. When the second half started they moved to some empty seats in the press box, but they still stared at my son. Later in the game I said to my son would you like to sit here next week he said no. He said the two men were not nice and made him feel unhappy. It can be very hard being a parent of a autistic child and the main problem is other people's lack of tolerance. I have been going to watch Rovers for 40 years and one of the few times I have been embarrassed by my own fans. So if you are sat next Saturday or a any other game please think the loud child next to you could be autistic or any other disability.

[GazLaz]

More a problem with society than just with our fans I'd say.

[washyrover]

So true, I would just like us both to be able to go to watch rovers and relax. Not knocking our fans but trying to raise awareness.

[ctay]

It is difficult and it is the nature of society today I am afraid. My eldest is down syndrome, and you do get looks. Sometimes sympathy, sometimes sheer ignorance.

Awareness is getting better within certain areas of society, but slowly.

[Lincoln Rover]

Washy
I support a lad I bring to Donny Rovers with similar sounding issues.
We sit in the area you've mentioned, and I can say the blokes and two ladies around us are immensely supportive.
He's unaware of social norms ( as we know it ) but loves footy. His team is Lincoln City ( and he's enjoying his moment in the sunshine. Without wishing to sound condescending, stick with it or PM me and I'll be happy to sit with and help out. The lad I support his next one will be the Blackpool match.

[jonnydog]

Washy, I think you were about 2 rows back from us though we sit in the middle - am I right in thinking you were at the end of the row near the windows?

If it was you then your lad really did give it his all and should be proud to call himself a Rovers fan. He didn't stop the whole 90 minutes and probably upset a few people purely because he understood the terminology like switch it, push, square it, triangle etc... half of them around us are still wondering whether they should clap a goal, let alone shout to cheer the team on.

You and your lad are more than welcome to sit near us at all games because it's nice to have some positive cheering for a change.

I'm a manager of several supported living homes for adults with autism/learning disabilities across south/north Yorkshire and I assure you it is purely an ignorance, or even uneducated, part of society still. But that shouldn't stop your lad from doing what he loves wherever he wants to sit.

I really hope it doesn't stop him from coming again. Tell him that I thought his support was awesome!!

[washyrover]

Yes Jonny dog that was my son he has a love of the game. After Rovers having a poor season last year he lost interest but now he back in full flow. We have different seats next week then after that  back to the seats he loves.  Thank you jonny dog and lincoln rover for your very kind offers and yes he will be back.

[idler]

You usually find more good than bad people in all walks of life but sometimes the few really get to you.
Go and enjoy yourselves and ignore the ones that don't understand. You can always educate them if they actually say anything to you.

[Rich_The_Conisbrough_Rover]

Aslong as your son enjoys going to watch the Rovers, that's all what matters.

People like this don't deserve to step foot on this planet, you and your son can sit wherever in the stadium and your son shouldn't be made to feel he's been watched constantly.

We're a family club, Rovers till we die 🔴⚪️🔴.

[firestarter]

I think some people are actually born old and grumpy! .. embrace the kids I say. Let em be kids.. me and my lad were sat in front of a group of lads from a junior club and they were shouting and screaming the whole game.. really getting into it.. even giving the dads slavver for ogling the one call girls!!.. brilliant .. my head was banging and ears ringing but I thought it was great listening to them.. they're the future fans so why diss them at all. The haters are gonna hate.. but they'll always be a very tiny minority Washy.. hope your lad will live and breathe Rovers for many a year 👍

[Copps is Magic]

Your son would be a lot more welcome in the Black Bank. No one bats an eyelid at people standing. There is another young kid who regularly starts chants. Shouting obscene things is expected and encouraged. Try it out.

[ballysbackin]

I think some people are actually born old and grumpy! .. embrace the kids I say. Let em be kids.. me and my lad were sat in front of a group of lads from a junior club and they were shouting and screaming the whole game.. really getting into it.. even giving the dads slavver for ogling the one call girls!!.. brilliant .. my head was banging and ears ringing but I thought it was great listening to them.. they're the future fans so why diss them at all. The haters are gonna hate.. but they'll always be a very tiny minority Washy.. hope your lad will live and breathe Rovers for many a year 👍

You are not the only one drooling over those extremely pretty young ladies, they are very good looking and figures that are good, no doubt your lad was looking too and hoped not to be seen by you so made a point of telling you off. How much did it cost to stop him telling the boss in doors , But if the lad we are talking about and his dad want to have a change of seats, then try Row E 250 and next to it that is in front of us in SE Stand I am in F250 and either side, you are more than welcome and my mates are behind me, not a problem at all.  Yes it is time some people should look in a mirror and count their blessings.

[hoolahoop]

I'm sorry you experienced that . It does happen at our games but I expect we are no different from other clubs however that doesn't excuse it indeed I experienced something similar in the Black Bank on satdi and left early missing the goal.

[Copps is Magic]

What happened? If you don't mind me asking.

[RedJ]

Your son would be a lot more welcome in the Black Bank. No one bats an eyelid at people standing. There is another young kid who regularly starts chants. Shouting obscene things is expected and encouraged. Try it out.

Aye, you can't not hear him.

Especially after the opposing goalkeeper's just taken a goal kick...


As it happens, he is autistic too.