The media have a lot to answer for. As you remember, better than most of us no doubt for the personal reasons you've explained , the English press at the time of Heysel were all about criticising UEFA for their choice of venue rather than the behaviour of fans. Let's be honest a lot of English, fans, particularly those following the national team, were nothing better than scum, but the press would usually look to excuse their behaviour. In fact even some sections of the media tried to blame the Thatcher government, and the introduction of fences, for Hillsborough rather than criticise fan behaviour.
I suppose it's symptomatic of the English disease. Far easier to blame someone else than look in the mirror.
