Self Abuse 
By Dai Smith

It isn’t often that I’m moved into writing an article but the subject I intend to touch on is close to my heart…… Self Abuse….. no, not the kind that your thinking ;-)

There is no getting around the fact that as football fans, we are a fickle bunch. We hate certain opposition players, yet when they sign for us, we end up adoring them.

If a player such a Feeney had signed for Bournemouth on loan instead of ourselves, he would have been subject to a barrage of abuse for his Cardiff connection – instead we end up chanting his name. Heroes quickly turn into villains when they are wearing a different colour shirt to our own.

But what I find really difficult to swallow, is the insistence with a small but vocal minority of our fans who want to boo and abuse our own players during a game.

Although, this type of behaviour has always gone on to an extent, the amount of vile abuse of our own players has definitely risen during the past two or three seasons. Several players have been the recipients of this vile type of abuse no matter how well or badly they play in relation to their team mates.

This season so far has seen a greater number of recipients than normal. Pratley, Lawrence, Duffy, Painter and Scotland have already been targets this season (and we’ve only just hit November).

Do the mindless minority think the player will play better because of the abuse they are dishing out?

Do they feel that the players can’t hear them?

Wrong on both counts I’m afraid.

Marcus Painter (who incidentally has been excellent for us since his signing) recently explained to the Evening Post.....

"We certainly heard the booing which didn't help us at all.” And went on ''The fan must have something personal against me because I remember him having a few goes before”  and yes... he said it effected his game.

I suppose there are some that might say that they have paid their money and are entitled to should what they want. I’m afraid I don’t see it like that!

Even allowing for the fact that you have paid you admission there are certain standards of behaviour that are unacceptable, and for me one of the worst of them is behaviour which might affect our team adversely.

Would it be acceptable to shout abuse at a shop assistant because you were buying your groceries there?

I often find myself shouting these people down – which sometimes can be hazardous to my own health, but I would like the stewards (or even the police) take a much more active roll in stamping this behaviour out - let the offender know that this type of conduct is unacceptable and remove them from the stadium.

Until this happens, I think we all have a responsibility to shout these idiots down and let them know that the vast majority do not find their abuse acceptable or more importantly helpful to our team.

Do you feel you could write a Northbank Natter - Just send it to me.