I'm not here to defend Philadelphia as I usually do being a Philadelphian or the Eagles as long as if I feel it is justified. However, these Panther fans were aware of the hostile reputation of Philadelphia and in particular, Eagles fans. We all can agree on that since they did admit to it. They should know that if you walk into the stadium wearing clothes representing the opposition, that makes them a target wherever you go. Especially in a blue-collar town like Philadelphia. It makes them a target for abuse regardless of what team and sport you are watching. It comes with the territory. This is common throughout the northeastern part of the United States. I've been through this before in many places up in the northeastern US, even in Philly when I supported my Toronto Blue Jays when they defeated the Phillies in the World Series in 1993. Again in Miami when I went down for the Monday night game, I heard some taunts and trash talk from the Dolphin fans that they had started with us. Throughout the game, we all had a good time there since it was all in good, clean fun. Panther fans, and other opposing team fans, should expect this type of stuff because that's the way it is up here whether they like it or not. That's the situation that they put themselves into. Unfortunately, stuff like this will never change. People can't come up here and expect to be treated like kings and queens just because they are fans of the opposition, and then often cry because something bad has happened to them. Yes, it is horrible that they have to deal with this. Yes, that is the reputation that the city and the Eagle fans have, and yes, the Panthers made the Eagles their b***h that day. I understand their passion for the Panthers fans and I may have done the same thing if I were one of them. But this has only make their situation worse as it is right now. I feel for these guys. I have seen these acts many times throughout the years and games that I have witnessed live. I just want to go out to see a football game, or any other sporting event, and to cheer on my team. But I won't do anything stupid like that or to start a fight just because another person likes the other team. I choose to avoid all that type of stuff because I don't want to be put into a bad situation. The best advice that I could give to anyone coming to Philadelphia for any game is to not wear any apparel representing your favorite team and to not publically cheer for the opposition when they score points or make a good play. Keeping quiet, and I know it is hard to do, will avoid the problem of abuse from the Philadelphia faithful.
Ironically, I also know the lawyer representing them. I knew him when we were growing up. This should be an easy case going in favor for those Panther fans.