I actually like the crowd noise that they added to some of the Soccer leagues that have started back up. I also think that that might be the only sport where such a thing works so well. When watching a soccer game, there is always just constant chanting and that, I dunno.... "rhythmic wave" sound (lol) of the crowd just constantly yelling shit. Other sports, at least here in North America, are not like that.
Growing up in Canada, I follow hockey with a passion and I dread the thought of them adding crowd noise to the games when the NHL returns.
I agree with you, it's much better than no sound. I found the UFC without an audience weird. I would have loved to have a go at ice hockey it's a great game, but London isn't the place for it. Rugby, boxing, Muay Thai and MMA are preferred, I wasn't great at soccer/football in high school, not good enough for school first team regularly or when I got first team pick I was on the bench. I was very good at Rugby and even played county and University.
The Tyson vs Roy Jones fight was ruined entirely because of the no-crowd thing. Don't get me wrong I understand how important it was and why it was needed but man... a crowd can seriously affect a fighter's morale.