We went to see the Championship QPR v Leeds United match and here are 6 things that we found out.
1. The QPR ticket hotline is as good as a paper umbrella
Everything in this ever-changing, crazy world of ours seems to be going technological. The latest (well they came in a while ago but we used them for the first time today) to get swept up in this scary tech tsunami that is sweeping through our entire society is e-tickets.
“Pleased to help”
It also happened that we couldn’t print our e-tickets due to our trusty printer letting down the team and having a nap. Luckily, the helpful folk at QPR had a number to call “if you cannot print your ticket.” Excellent.
We called. We got passed around to various other numbers and eventually were told that the hours were not appropriate to call someone. So after about an hour of speaking to exactly zero humans, we were left even more confused and angered. “We will be pleased to help” they said. They were wrong.
We were off to a good start.
2. Never let the London Underground decide your fate
The ticket debacle didn’t help, but we also didn’t count on the London Underground being slow. We should have done. We were naïve and we WILL learn. So, we got to Loftus Road at about 12:05 (kick-off 12:00) but at least we didn’t miss any… Oh wait no QPR scored in the third minute. We would love to tell you what the goal was like but at the time we were dodging horse excrement on the pavement (true story).
3. Wembley Way has ruined all other walks to grounds
Wembley way is pretty glorious. If you’re there, you know you’re about to watch your team in a unique and important match, be it an F.A. Cup or another final. The long walk from Wembley Park tube station in the shadow of the mighty arch, where each step you take closer to the stadium just builds the anticipation as the atmosphere increases.
Alternatively, walking down South Africa Road was slightly less thrilling. It was a gauntlet, littered with horse waste, general rubbish and various police officers. As if dodging that minefield wasn’t bad enough, we had to endure a few middle-aged and highly intoxicated Leeds fans singing about how they will apparently “march on together.” Where, when or why they will march remained unknown to us, so we continued on in a baffled yet excited state.
4. QPR have some of the poshest fans
We don’t want the QPR fans to take offence by this, it is not intended that way. It was very pleasant in fact, to for once sit in the stands and not have 50 drunk blokes sat around you swearing at the referee and calling the oppos forward a donkey for taking a throw in.
Presumably one of these players was Tom, Dick or Harry
Instead, there was only one or two of these annoying, yet admiringly-passionate fans. Others sat there, politely applauded good play and gently spoke out weak words that fell far short of the expletive category when they were displeased at what they were seeing.
Also, they called all of the players by their first names. I know some fans do this. A few do it as the player, Theo Walcott for instance, is more well-known for their first name. But here, we were sure that the woman sat next to us had no connection to any of them, and yet was calling them all Tom, Dick and Harry.
5. Loftus Road is a dying breed of stadia
The stadium of dreams
It really was one of those old-school grounds, tucked away behind someone’s back garden. The walk up to the seats was literally separated from houses by a five-foot hedge. A walk up the steps and we’re sure you could catapult yourself over if you had enough Stella in you.
The fans are so close to the pitch as well. All four stands are practically over it. We loved it though! None many like them about nowadays.
Speaking of stadiums, test yourself with our football stadiums quiz for a challenge harder than playing on an icy pitch.
6. Leeds United are still not good
At least one thing that may not change is Leeds’ constant footballing deficiencies. They truly have some great fans, and we feel for them. They were shocking on the day.
