Column: Student Ben McCarthy is delighted to see fans back in our sporting stadiums. He witnessed the joy firsthand after attending Colchester United's recent match against Mansfield

SPORT is nothing without fans.

It’s a well-trodden quote that, while undoubtedly true, is perhaps overused by the media, analysts and athletes.

However, as supporters head back into our stadiums, full of verve and vigour, it’s easy to feel that joyous theme reverberate across society again.

Crowd excitement was suppressed as we stuck to the ‘Stay at home’ message and the deafening silence of an arena, akin to a light-hearted gathering in a sports hall, defined the image of our entertainment.

Now the start of the new football season has signalled the return of fans, in full voice and song.

I attended Colchester United’s recent home game against Mansfield Town and instantly felt comforted being back at the Jobserve Community Stadium.

Looking around, the sight of fans talking in big groups was such a welcome sight.

Player-fan camaraderie was once again evident as Shamal George happily signed a young fan’s programme in front of me.

Gazette: Ben McCarthy

Gazette columnist Ben McCarthy

It was a display of real kindness, breathing the notion of community the club exudes.

The atmosphere was an absolute treat, with the rapturous home crowd in fine tune once again - easily out-singing the outnumbered, but committed, Mansfield followers.

Colchester’s determination (both the players and us supporters) gleaned a first goal of the season - a last-minute penalty which, to much relief, Freddie Sears converted.

My personal ecstasy was mirrored by the South Stand stalwarts, there at the bottom of the stand celebrating the point gained.

In a sea of supporters, happiness was our compass again.

This sporting joy was truly wonderful to be a part of and it’s been echoed up and down the country - stadiums are alive again and the delight is limitless.

Similarly, there was delight at Silverstone when Lewis Hamilton seized the lead of a pulsating British Grand Prix, just two and a half laps from the chequered flag.

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There was joy as England carved their way into a first European Championship final too.

It’s such a relief to have some normality back, leaving behind the doom and gloom of empty stadia.

From the rapturous noise of Wembley to the cheers of the lucky few at the Tokyo Olympics, the abyss between these two sporting spectacles only enhances the influence spectators and partisan crowds can have.

As Britain finds its feet again, we have restored some normality and the sight of empty stadiums will hopefully become a dim and distant memory.