WHEN Cherries sealed a memorable promotion to League One in 2010, Burton Albion were wonderful hosts.

The season before, that season of such turmoil but, ultimately, the one that started this incredible adventure, Cherries escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth by winning 2-1 at home to Grimsby Town. The visiting supporters that day were a credit, standing to applaud the remarkable achievement that was the Greatest Escape.

Just last week, more than 100 smurfs from Cumbria remained in the East Stand long after the final whistle as Cherries supporters poured on to the Dean Court turf in their droves. Rival supporters, yes, but they knew they had witnessed something special. They wanted to show their respect.

Five years ago at Brunton Park, the same Cumbrian supporters stood on their own pitch and applauded a 1,500-strong army of red and black that had taken on an 800-mile round trip only to see their heroes relegated to League Two.

There is solidarity between supporters like these. Deep down, they know jubilation and success, or failure and despair, are often only just round the corner. They express sympathy for torturous plights and buy into the glorious times, too. Different coloured replica shirts, same respect.

Tranmere Rovers’ decision to put a dampener on Cherries’ most glorious chapter shows as much of a lack of respect for the club’s own supporters as it does for those from the south coast wanting a party on the Wirral. They are doubting their own. Questioning them.

The majority of football supporters, particularly in the spit and sawdust lower divisions, away from the diamond-encrusted so-called glamour of the Premier League, have absolutely no interest in causing trouble.

The spoiling minority, as in life, will always be there, of course. Hell-bent on bringing down positivity and good feeling, because they have neither in their make-up.

In stopping Cherries from lifting the League One title at Prenton Park, should they win it, Tranmere Rovers has bowed to the minority.

It has let them win and allowed them to dictate.

For that, the club, a great one, full of history and past glories, should be ashamed.