In my time watching football we seem to have gone through an evolution of players clapping supporters, whether at home or away.
1. 70's / Early 80's. Very little. The full time whistle blew and the players ran straight down the tunnel.
2. Late 80's / 90's. A bit more. The full time whistle blew and the players would acknowledge away fans from a distance or clap home fans gently as they went down the tunnel.
3. 2000 - 2020. A more concerted effort, with a pause and coordinated acknowledgement before going down the tunnel.
4. Post Covid? Almost a lap of honour / time taken to acknowledge fans, whether home or away, with shirts being given away to rapturous applause and appreciation.
Of course, point 4 has its issues if you put on a display like Ipswich, as the players felt obliged to stand still and clap whilst taking dog's abuse. If they had done what many fans were shouting and f*cked off they'd then have been criticised for not showing appreciation.
I don't think there's any going back now, but I have to say I preferred 2 or 3, when it was less co-ordinated and perhaps more authentic, and you could be in your car / on the train much quicker...
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Should really only be left for big events or supporters travelling large distances during the week.
Coming over to clap the fans after a 6-0 drubbing & most fans only having to travel 90 mins up the A12. No clue.
Better saving it for the 2-1 win at Donny in the play off 1st leg. Much more appreciative & well meaning on both sides.
I think for home games the tunnel jump if we’re lucky enough to have won it good enough for me.
Having said that, I’m making a huge effort to be their Saturday so I expect every squad member to come over and thank me personally 😜😜😜🤣🤣🤣
I think you and I are around similar ages (I’m 53 in June)
Oh yes - I desperately want the earthy 80’s / early 90’s football I loved - but it’s gone
But I still love football and Charlton
It must be a height thing.