Distance and finances have meant that it has been some time since I have been able to attend games but it does seem clear to me that there has been a steady increase in thuggish behaviour at football matches over recent years. It may be a far cry from the worst years of the 70s and 80s, but it is still a concern and needs dealing with.

That said, surely any club should only be fined if negligence on their part can be proven in terms of the steps taken to try and prevent such violence (e.g. security arrangements/ investment in policing/ refusal of entry etc.). ? It is the individuals concerned who should be punished whether that involves banning from games, fines or sentencing.

And yes, alcohol is a factor so pubs have some responsibility too as do local councils for their responsibilities regarding Public Space Protection Orders and the police for enforcing the rules. It is illegal to serve alcohol to anyone who appears drunk and illegal to consume alcohol on many public transport services and in most public places. I do understand the difficulties of the financial costs involved in being able to enforce this in terms of affording the policing or security but do this properly and some of the idiots won't get into the ground in the first place. Certainly, drink isn't behind all of the thuggish behaviour and violence by any means but it plays it's part.

There are no easy answers and the tipping point where more good natured rowdiness and banter turns to violence can sometimes be hard to anticipate with premature heavy policing causing its own problems but the FA imposing heavy fines on clubs is not the answer unless true negligence can be proven. This can too easily be seen as just a blanket measure designed to make them look like they are doing something.