English Championship soccer club Leeds United has just banned a 63-year-old great-grandmother for walking onto the pitch in the final game of the season in May. She only wanted to shout, “Lads, I love you.” The club’s president, Ken Bates, has defended the decision to suspend her, saying that fans were warned to stay off the pitch. However, others are campaigning to reverse this decision.
First thought: a 63-year-old great-grandmother?
Second: It may seem harsh, given that she did not engage in hooliganism, but she broke the club’s rules against entering the pitch during a game. If her ban is reversed, what is the use of the rule?