Is it all about money down at pride Park

Last updated : 02 March 2008 By Rams Mad Editor

"It's all about money" that is the sad statement that sums up premiership football today . The thing that does annoy me is the fact that the club seem to be complacent to any complaint from the people that actually matter, the ordinary fans!

Pride Park corporate box area
Pride Park North West corner an a view of the corporate boxes below the disabled supporters area, where at least one Rams fan was hit by paper darts thrown by unruly Sunderland youngsters yesterday
Yesterday's game with Sunderland summed up the attitude now in the game to a tee. As half time signalled a relief from the dross that was happening on the pitch "the privileged ones" more commonly know as the corporate boxed areas situated under the scoreboard were tucking in to their free drinks and prawn sandwiches, whilst their offspring delighted at throwing paper aeroplanes, made out of the complimentary team sheet given to the chosen ones, down on Derby County season ticket holders below them.

"What's wrong with that!, I hear you cry. Just a bit of boisterous fun from a few junior Rams. Well actually they were the spawn of visiting Sunderland fans, given access to areas directly behind and above one of the disabled season ticket holder sections of the crowd.

One elderly lady in a wheel chair was struck by one of the sharp ended objects at the back of the head, whilst causing no permenent damage one has to ask what would have happened to someone facing the other way and getting a paper dart in the eye?

The stewards when alerted to the danger seemed unable, uninterested or maybe just following orders in not stopping or ejecting the young Sunderland fans doing highly dangerous practise. My only conclusion has to be that the club would rather a loyal Rams fan were injured than risk upsetting a box holder, who seems to be breaking segregation rules in allowing his or her box to be used for entertaining opposition fans.

Any thoughts on box holders and their apparent lack of control of their guests? Or does the club value the corporate box holders more than the loyal fan in the stands? Click on the post box to email us with your thoughts...