I was shouted at by a bunch of guys driving by – then they got their reward | Adrian Chiles

The last time West Bromwich Albion won at Swansea City, as I walked away from the ground a car full of their fans called me a round of abuse the coarser, focusing on my team, my appearance and my professional competence. On the one hand, it didn't bother me too much. I understood their pain at defeat and the need to express their fury in this despicable way. Graeme Souness would no doubt say that it was all part of football being a man's game, although I should point out that at least two of the trollers opposite were women. On the other hand, I must confess that I briefly entertained a fantasy in which the driver of the vehicle, so focused on participating in the abuse, drove the car past. An unworthy thought, I know.

And then, this week, it happened for real. As I headed to the shops, guys crammed into a small car all yelled at me with various hand signals. I'd say it was all in that uncertain gray area between abuse and jokes, but I can't be sure because, looking up, they rammed the van in front of them. Before I knew it, I was hurrying away, resisting the urge to punch the air. But soon after, the guilt set in. It wasn't my fault: other than looking at them, I hadn't committed myself at all. They had meant no harm, however, and the poor guy in front was clearly beyond reproach. I couldn't imagine anyone being hurt; it was a relatively minor shunt. I was worried it would go wrong if I got involved, but I should have stayed on as a witness. Trembling, I returned to the scene. All was quiet; there was no evidence that anything had happened. I guess interested people can find me quite easily if they need to.