[Other Sport] Atherstone Ball Game

[Arthur]

Anyone experienced Atherstone Ball Game?



From what I've read since it appears a large ball is chucked out of a pub window and then whoever has control of the ball 2 hours later is the winner. The only rule is you aren't allowed to kill anyone. It's been "played" on Shrove Tuesday for over 800 years. All the local shops board up their windows because the end of the game gets completely out of hand as you can see from the video. The ball was apparently barricaded in doorway of Hills and defended successfully until the end of the game.

 

[Worried Man Blues]

Don't give up the high ground......or hills as it happens

 

[BNthree]

That same evening a local non-league match was called off due to crowd trouble:

Crowd trouble forced the abandonment of Tamworth’s derby with Nuneaton in the Southern League Premier Division Central. Fans of both sides were reported to have thrown missiles as the players were forced off the pitch. Some have attributed the trouble to the all-day drinking opportunities offered by the nearby traditional Shrove Tuesday Atherstone Ball Game.

 

[Napper]

looks decent , lads being lads .

 

[Sheebo]

Yes a mate goes to this - big local thing. Didn’t realise it was that violent though - all seemed to enjoy it though - I guess the ball was in the shop doorway then?

 

[Shooting Star]

What a bunch of degenerate neanderthals. How the hell aren't the police involved?

 

[Arthur]

Yes a mate goes to this - big local thing. Didn’t realise it was that violent though - all seemed to enjoy it though - I guess the ball was in the shop doorway then?

If you read the replies to that Twitter post there are plenty like @Shooting Star but all the locals are bang into it saying it’s harmless fun. Not sure Hills or the local A&E would agree.

 

[GT49er]

What a bunch of degenerate neanderthals. How the hell aren't the police involved?

They've got the sense to keep out of the way?

 

[BN9 BHA]

Coked up meat heads day out, excuse for a massive scrap, surprised no one has died.

 

[GT49er]

These events (sort of) happen all over. This one carried over to today!

Ashbourne Royal Shrovetide live action on day two

Up'ards and Down'ards are expecting more open play on Ash Wednesday

www.derbytelegraph.co.uk

 

[The Fits]

It's mob ball right? That's where football (and rugby) evolved from (certainly in the UK)

 

[Papak]

There isn't even a prize on offer from what I can see:

Atherstone Ball Game - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Jack Straw]

I thought it was the opening of the Black Friday Harrods sale?

 

[BNthree]

Seems everyone involved is consenting and there are some stewards around to make sure it doesn’t just spill over into a fight between randoms. Obviously I’d run a mile myself but if they want to get involved and know the risks I don’t have a problem with it.

 

[portslade seagull]

Some hefty kicks and punches being thrown there. A few black eyes and broken noses being nursed today no doubt

 

[Leekbrookgull]

Ashbourne has two days of Shrovetide football across the town,bit of a free for all.

 

[Iggle Piggle]

Anyone experienced Atherstone Ball Game?



From what I've read since it appears a large ball is chucked out of a pub window and then whoever has control of the ball 2 hours later is the winner. The only rule is you aren't allowed to kill anyone. It's been "played" on Shrove Tuesday for over 800 years. All the local shops board up their windows because the end of the game gets completely out of hand as you can see from the video. The ball was apparently barricaded in doorway of Hills and defended successfully until the end of the game.

I thought it was the queue for Hills when Tony tips up his long price one in the handicap at Cheltenham.