Furious Norwich City boss David Wagner calls for ‘idiots’ who attacked Delia Smith’s car by throwing beer cans and punching window ahead of East Anglia derby to be ‘banned for life’
The beautiful game of football, where passion and excitement can sometimes boil over into unacceptable behavior. A recent incident involving Norwich City owner Delia Smith is a sad reminder of this unfortunate reality. As Smith, an 82-year-old respected businesswoman and TV chef, was traveling to the East Anglia derby in a grey BMW, she was met with a disturbing display of aggression from some Ipswich Town fans. The car, which was part of a convoy led by a police escort, was pelted with cans of beer, and a flare even appeared to strike the back window. Smith, understandably, looked shaken as she entered the stadium, and the incident has sparked widespread condemnation from the football community.
Norwich City boss David Wagner was particularly outraged by the incident, calling for the “idiots” responsible to be banned for life. Wagner, who was seen speaking to Smith in a corridor at Portman Road after the match, expressed his disgust at the behavior of the fans, saying “It don’t get in my head how you can behave like this when a woman over 80 years old drives to a football match, even if she may be supporting the opponent.” Wagner’s words echo the sentiments of many in the football world, who are appalled by the lack of respect shown to Smith, a well-respected figure in the sport. The incident has highlighted the need for greater respect and civility in football, and the importance of ensuring that players, officials, and supporters can attend matches without fear of intimidation or violence.
The incident has also sparked a wider debate about the state of football fandom and the need for greater accountability and responsibility from supporters. While the vast majority of fans are law-abiding and respectful, there are unfortunately still some who engage in unacceptable behavior, such as throwing objects at players, officials, or opposing teams’ buses. This kind of behavior not only puts people’s safety at risk but also undermines the sport as a whole, creating a toxic atmosphere that can be intimidating and off-putting for many. As Wagner said, “There are idiots all over the world, something I cannot understand,” and it is up to the football community to come together to condemn such behavior and ensure that the beautiful game is enjoyed in a safe and respectful environment.
The incident has also had a personal impact on Delia Smith, who is a well-known and respected figure in the football world. Smith, who has been involved with Norwich City for many years and has a 53% stake in the club, is a passionate and dedicated supporter of the team. She is often seen attending matches and is widely admired for her commitment to the club and its community. The attack on her car was not only an attack on her personally but also an attack on the values of respect and sportsmanship that are at the heart of the game. As Smith herself seemed to suggest, the incident was “only a trickle” compared to the wider issues facing the sport, but it is still a disturbing reminder of the challenges that football faces in promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity.
The incident has also highlighted the need for greater security and protection for players, officials, and supporters at football matches. The use of police escorts and other security measures is essential in preventing incidents like this from happening, and football clubs and authorities must do more to ensure that everyone involved in the sport can feel safe and secure. This includes providing adequate security personnel, monitoring crowd behavior, and taking swift action against those who engage in unacceptable behavior. By working together, the football community can create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone, and ensure that the beautiful game can be enjoyed by all.
In conclusion, the attack on Delia Smith’s car is a sad reminder of the challenges that football faces in promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and has highlighted the need for greater accountability and responsibility from supporters. As the football community comes together to condemn such behavior, it is essential that we remember the values of respect, sportsmanship, and civility that are at the heart of the game. By promoting these values and working together to create a safer and more respectful environment, we can ensure that football remains a beautiful game that can be enjoyed by all, and that incidents like this become a rarity rather than a regular occurrence.
