Well l think the 'older bloke' you mention was an absolte idiot to get involved in fisticuffs with that moron. But generally I agree, I'm amazed that anyone, young, old, or disabled, was scared when they heard those fire cackers going off. I'm disappointed that it was allowed to happen, but...
It's wrong of course, but that also goes on pretty much everywhere at busy road junctions up and down the country. It certainly isn't just confined to the Amex on a match day, and very little can be done to stop it alas.