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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 25, 2024 21:14:02 GMT
Those fans who went to the S of L last season will remember the fuss which some of us made about the decision to confiscate coins and other items from visiting supporters only. I have recently been engaged in dialogue with Sunderland about what will happen on Saturday. Unfortunately restrictions will be in place again with coins, vapes, lighters and power banks not being allowed ( note - the Stoke City website only mentions coins and vapes).
In response to our representations, Sunderland have made some changes. There will be a programme seller outside the turnstile who takes cards. Last year if you left your coins in the car you couldn't get one or if you got change for a note, they were confiscated at the turnstile. You will also be able to hand items to the stewards, get a ticket and reclaim them after the game. This could for example include a purse or change purse.
Whilst these changes are a welcome improvement, I still think the policy is unjustified and disproportionate to the risk. If there is a significant risk it is made worse by Sunderland's decision to house visiting fans in the upper tier above home fans. We used to be at the other end. Am I right in saying that Sunderland are the only Championship club to do this ?
It remains a matter of concern that
(a) items which are not illegal and which do not appear on the list of prohibited items in their own ground regulations will not be allowed. I cannot imagine, for example, that any stokies would throw a powerpack on to the home fans. They cost money and fans bring them to re-charge phones on a long journey.
(b) these are restrictions which apply only to away fans. I am not aware of any other clubs who apply different policies to home and away fans in this way. The ground regs make no reference to this.
As a result of my representations I have been invited to meet the safety officer before the game and visit the control room, so I will have the opportunity to make our points verbally to the decision-maker. But it will too late to alter the practice for Saturday.
I hope that fellow Stokies, particularly our younger fans, will not misbehave or act in an anti-social way, in the stands, on the concourse or outside the ground, since this would not only embarrass the Club and the rest of our fanbase, but would take some of the ground from under my feet. No pyros or hurling beer all over fellow fans on the councourse ( as happened at Rotherham).
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Post by hughjarse on Jan 25, 2024 21:26:22 GMT
Those fans who went to the S of L last season will remember the fuss which some of us made about the decision to confiscate coins and other items from visiting supporters only. I have recently been engaged in dialogue with Sunderland about what will happen on Saturday. Unfortunately restrictions will be in place again with coins, vapes, lighters and power banks not being allowed ( note - the Stoke City website only mentions coins and vapes). In response to our representations, Sunderland have made some changes. There will be a programme seller outside the turnstile who takes cards. Last year if you left your coins in the car you couldn't get one or if you got change for a note, they were confiscated at the turnstile. You will also be able to hand items to the stewards, get a ticket and reclaim them after the game. This could for example include a purse or change purse. Whilst these changes are a welcome improvement, I still think the policy is unjustified and disproportionate to the risk. If there is a significant risk it is made worse by Sunderland's decision to house visiting fans in the upper tier above home fans. We used to be at the other end. Am I right in saying that Sunderland are the only Championship club to do this ? It remains a matter of concern that (a) items which are not illegal and which do not appear on the list of prohibited items in their own ground regulations will not be allowed. I cannot imagine, for example, that any stokies would throw a powerpack on to the home fans. They cost money and fans bring them to re-charge phones on a long journey. (b) these are restrictions which apply only to away fans. I am not aware of any other clubs who apply different policies to home and away fans in this way. The ground regs make no reference to this. As a result of my representations I have been invited to meet the safety officer before the game and visit the control room, so I will have the opportunity to make our points verbally to the decision-maker. But it will too late to alter the practice for Saturday. I hope that fellow Stokies, particularly our younger fans, will not misbehave or act in an anti-social way, in the stands, on the concourse or outside the ground, since this would not only embarrass the Club and the rest of our fanbase, but would take some of the ground from under my feet. No pyros or hurling beer all over fellow fans on the councourse ( as happened at Rotherham). Does this literally just apply to Stoke fans Malcolm or do other Championship clubs suffer the same fate when visiting the Stadium of Light ? I won’t name other clubs in the Championship with a worse reputation than ourselves but surely we don’t stand out in terms of poor behaviour |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 25, 2024 21:32:37 GMT
Those fans who went to the S of L last season will remember the fuss which some of us made about the decision to confiscate coins and other items from visiting supporters only. I have recently been engaged in dialogue with Sunderland about what will happen on Saturday. Unfortunately restrictions will be in place again with coins, vapes, lighters and power banks not being allowed ( note - the Stoke City website only mentions coins and vapes). In response to our representations, Sunderland have made some changes. There will be a programme seller outside the turnstile who takes cards. Last year if you left your coins in the car you couldn't get one or if you got change for a note, they were confiscated at the turnstile. You will also be able to hand items to the stewards, get a ticket and reclaim them after the game. This could for example include a purse or change purse. Whilst these changes are a welcome improvement, I still think the policy is unjustified and disproportionate to the risk. If there is a significant risk it is made worse by Sunderland's decision to house visiting fans in the upper tier above home fans. We used to be at the other end. Am I right in saying that Sunderland are the only Championship club to do this ? It remains a matter of concern that (a) items which are not illegal and which do not appear on the list of prohibited items in their own ground regulations will not be allowed. I cannot imagine, for example, that any stokies would throw a powerpack on to the home fans. They cost money and fans bring them to re-charge phones on a long journey. (b) these are restrictions which apply only to away fans. I am not aware of any other clubs who apply different policies to home and away fans in this way. The ground regs make no reference to this. As a result of my representations I have been invited to meet the safety officer before the game and visit the control room, so I will have the opportunity to make our points verbally to the decision-maker. But it will too late to alter the practice for Saturday. I hope that fellow Stokies, particularly our younger fans, will not misbehave or act in an anti-social way, in the stands, on the concourse or outside the ground, since this would not only embarrass the Club and the rest of our fanbase, but would take some of the ground from under my feet. No pyros or hurling beer all over fellow fans on the councourse ( as happened at Rotherham). Does this literally just apply to Stoke fans Malcolm or do other Championship clubs suffer the same fate when visiting the Stadium of Light ? I won’t name other clubs in the Championship with a worse reputation than ourselves but surely we don’t stand out in terms of poor behaviour It applies to some but not others, and we are in the group assessed as being high risk. I don't know how it breaks down numbers-wise ( but will ask the safety officer on Saturday) |
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Post by callas12 on Jan 25, 2024 21:32:39 GMT
Good Work Malcolm.
Small steps of improvement I suppose but you're right to question their policies again.
I'm guessing the only reason they house away fans in the upper tier of that stand is an attempt to limit the atmosphere creating ability of the visiting fans, copying Newcastle to some degree. But if in doing so, they have had to introduce these draconian measures then perhaps they need to have a re-think of stadium fan positioning. There was nothing wrong with the opposite end where we were always housed for years behind the goal. It's like in trying to be cute and take advantage of atmosphere margins, they've brought all these issues on themselves.
Should imagine the tips envelope for the coach drivers will be alot less as a consequence of alot of fans not taking cash with them on Saturday.
& the winners of the coach team scratchcard game will have to spend their winnings pre match or leave the cash on the coach!
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 25, 2024 21:38:38 GMT
Good Work Malcolm. Small steps of improvement I suppose but you're right to question their policies again. I'm guessing the only reason they house away fans in the upper tier of that stand is an attempt to limit the atmosphere creating ability of the visiting fans, copying Newcastle to some degree. But if in doing so, they have had to introduce these draconian measures then perhaps they need to have a re-think of stadium fan positioning. There was nothing wrong with the opposite end where we were always housed for years behind the goal. It's like in trying to be cute and take advantage of atmosphere margins, they've brought all these issues on themselves. Should imagine the tips envelope for the coach drivers will be alot less as a consequence of alot of fans not taking cash with them on Saturday. & the winners of the coach team scratchcard game will have to spend their winnings pre match or leave the cash on the coach! They claim that it is to do with crowd flows before and after the game and maximising segregation and something to do with a planned new bridge across the river. I'm not sufficiently au fait with the geography to assess that. Newcastle are in breach of a PL rule which specifies that some away fans have to be pitchside (and say that the Council insist on their current practice). I don't think there is a corresponding EFL rule. |
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Post by marylandstoke on Jan 25, 2024 21:41:48 GMT
Once again a big thank you for the time and effort that you put in Malcolm
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Post by Scouse on Jan 25, 2024 21:50:17 GMT
Malcolm , Not sure if you’re in contact with any of the various Sunderland fan groups ..they may provide you with further background info , the clubs stance in order to help with any discussions , pre determined positions ahead of Saturday Positioning of away fans and searches is covered in their latest meeting with fans ..prompted largely by their embarrassing rebranding of one of their hospitality suites for the Castle cup game ..page 7 section b d1zbjaxbvt7rbs.cloudfront.net/-/media/supporter-collective-minutes-jan-safccom.pdf?la=en |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 25, 2024 21:53:26 GMT
Once again a big thank you for the time and effort that you put in Malcolm That's kind of you - thanks. I should add that last year we said that the tone of their communication was provocative ( and therefore potentially counter-productive) - the infamous " enough is enough" leaflet given our on the coaches. They tell me that as a result of those representations they have changed their communication strategy. I shall be interested to learn if there is a leaflet on the coaches on Saturday and if so, what it says and what tone it adopts. |
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Post by Pottersfan on Jan 25, 2024 21:58:45 GMT
I'm not going but perhaps wear a black n white scarf.
You get sit in the home end, have the bar kitted out and get a nice selfie with the players management on the pitch.
Hope we smash them 🙏
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Post by stokielancer on Jan 25, 2024 22:00:57 GMT
Sunderland is a terrible away day! I remember a few years ago I got kicked out and still to this day I have no idea why! But the coins thing is pathetic I seriously question the legality of this!
Glad I'm on holiday and not going! Hope all that are travelling have a good day! UPTMP
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 25, 2024 23:06:35 GMT
Malcolm , Not sure if you’re in contact with any of the various Sunderland fan groups ..they may provide you with further background info , the clubs stance in order to help with any discussions , pre determined positions ahead of Saturday Positioning of away fans and searches is covered in their latest meeting with fans ..prompted largely by their embarrassing rebranding of one of their hospitality suites for the Castle cup game ..page 7 section b d1zbjaxbvt7rbs.cloudfront.net/-/media/supporter-collective-minutes-jan-safccom.pdf?la=enAs it happens, Scouse, the FSA office is in Sunderland and at least 3 of our staff are match-going fans, including one who was at the meeting you gave a link to. So, yes, we have discussed it. I won't say too much more on a public Board - but can have a word at the game if I see you. |
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Post by rickyfullerbeer on Jan 25, 2024 23:18:37 GMT
Hi Malcolm,
Will I be permitted to take my 75ft x 15ft BEALE IN banner?
TIA.
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Post by gilberto on Jan 25, 2024 23:27:52 GMT
Good Work Malcolm. Small steps of improvement I suppose but you're right to question their policies again. I'm guessing the only reason they house away fans in the upper tier of that stand is an attempt to limit the atmosphere creating ability of the visiting fans, copying Newcastle to some degree. But if in doing so, they have had to introduce these draconian measures then perhaps they need to have a re-think of stadium fan positioning. There was nothing wrong with the opposite end where we were always housed for years behind the goal. It's like in trying to be cute and take advantage of atmosphere margins, they've brought all these issues on themselves. Should imagine the tips envelope for the coach drivers will be alot less as a consequence of alot of fans not taking cash with them on Saturday. & the winners of the coach team scratchcard game will have to spend their winnings pre match or leave the cash on the coach! They claim that it is to do with crowd flows before and after the game and maximising segregation and something to do with a planned new bridge across the river. I'm not sufficiently au fait with the geography to assess that. Newcastle are in breach of a PL rule which specifies that some away fans have to be pitchside (and say that the Council insist on their current practice). I don't think there is a corresponding EFL rule. It's definitely to do with atmosphere. It was a Martin O'Neill thing. He did similar at Villa. www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2147851/Martin-ONeill-backs-Sunderland-stadium-plans.html |
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Post by maninasuitcase on Jan 25, 2024 23:31:37 GMT
Shame we cant reciprocate the god awful location for the mackems and the mags fans at the bet 365. I think JC should look at hiring some lifting booms and have them watch the game from 300 ft in the air dangling precariously over the south stand.
The bullshit rule Newcastle use makes a mockery of the PL rules on away fans.
People seems to think st james park is great cos its near the city centre but its a monstrosity of a place and about as away fan unfriendly as any ground ive ever been too.
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Post by a on Jan 25, 2024 23:46:21 GMT
It’s unfortunate that things have gotten this bad but not entirely surprising. It wouldn’t be necessary if it wasn’t for a reason though and I’m not tarring everyone with the same brush.
I’m sure many will disagree but it is a sad indictment of elements of society today. Yes it used to be prevalent but that’s no excuse. People just need to behave.
I don’t agree with this by the way but I can understand why it is being implemented, although unfairly and without parity.
I hope everyone stays safe and we win, but won’t be surprised if we get one or neither 😂
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Post by Boothen on Jan 26, 2024 0:01:17 GMT
You will also be able to hand items to the stewards, get a ticket and reclaim them after the game. This could for example include a purse or change purse. I assume they'll be iteming and listing any items you place in their care on said ticket? And they'll also be counting any monies handed over and giving you a receipt for that amount on official Sunderland headed paper? |
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Post by PotterLog on Jan 26, 2024 1:47:09 GMT
It’s unfortunate that things have gotten this bad but not entirely surprising. It wouldn’t be necessary if it wasn’t for a reason though and I’m not tarring everyone with the same brush. I’m sure many will disagree but it is a sad indictment of elements of society today. Yes it used to be prevalent but that’s no excuse. People just need to behave. I don’t agree with this by the way but I can understand why it is being implemented, although unfairly and without parity. I hope everyone stays safe and we win, but won’t be surprised if we get one or neither 😂 Aren’t they the only club in the division doing this? Why have “things gotten this bad” there but nowhere else? |
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Post by middleoftheboothen on Jan 26, 2024 3:06:57 GMT
It’s unfortunate that things have gotten this bad but not entirely surprising. It wouldn’t be necessary if it wasn’t for a reason though and I’m not tarring everyone with the same brush. I’m sure many will disagree but it is a sad indictment of elements of society today. Yes it used to be prevalent but that’s no excuse. People just need to behave. I don’t agree with this by the way but I can understand why it is being implemented, although unfairly and without parity. I hope everyone stays safe and we win, but won’t be surprised if we get one or neither 😂 Aren’t they the only club in the division doing this? Why have “things gotten this bad” there but nowhere else? It'll be because you will always get the odd idiot throwing things down onto their fans and because of that everyone else has to suffer. It used to be the same at Wolves but obviously the other way around where the home fans would chuck all sorts down at us. Don't think there's many clubs other than Newcastle and Sunderland where you are housed above home fans though I could be wrong. |
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Post by a on Jan 26, 2024 8:07:24 GMT
It’s unfortunate that things have gotten this bad but not entirely surprising. It wouldn’t be necessary if it wasn’t for a reason though and I’m not tarring everyone with the same brush. I’m sure many will disagree but it is a sad indictment of elements of society today. Yes it used to be prevalent but that’s no excuse. People just need to behave. I don’t agree with this by the way but I can understand why it is being implemented, although unfairly and without parity. I hope everyone stays safe and we win, but won’t be surprised if we get one or neither 😂 Aren’t they the only club in the division doing this? Why have “things gotten this bad” there but nowhere else? I mean in terms of people being idiots, I’m not sure why it’s just them doing it but people launching missiles is pathetic |
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Post by RonnieStokie on Jan 26, 2024 10:06:54 GMT
Those fans who went to the S of L last season will remember the fuss which some of us made about the decision to confiscate coins and other items from visiting supporters only. I have recently been engaged in dialogue with Sunderland about what will happen on Saturday. Unfortunately restrictions will be in place again with coins, vapes, lighters and power banks not being allowed ( note - the Stoke City website only mentions coins and vapes). In response to our representations, Sunderland have made some changes. There will be a programme seller outside the turnstile who takes cards. Last year if you left your coins in the car you couldn't get one or if you got change for a note, they were confiscated at the turnstile. You will also be able to hand items to the stewards, get a ticket and reclaim them after the game. This could for example include a purse or change purse. Whilst these changes are a welcome improvement, I still think the policy is unjustified and disproportionate to the risk. If there is a significant risk it is made worse by Sunderland's decision to house visiting fans in the upper tier above home fans. We used to be at the other end. Am I right in saying that Sunderland are the only Championship club to do this ? It remains a matter of concern that (a) items which are not illegal and which do not appear on the list of prohibited items in their own ground regulations will not be allowed. I cannot imagine, for example, that any stokies would throw a powerpack on to the home fans. They cost money and fans bring them to re-charge phones on a long journey. (b) these are restrictions which apply only to away fans. I am not aware of any other clubs who apply different policies to home and away fans in this way. The ground regs make no reference to this. As a result of my representations I have been invited to meet the safety officer before the game and visit the control room, so I will have the opportunity to make our points verbally to the decision-maker. But it will too late to alter the practice for Saturday. I hope that fellow Stokies, particularly our younger fans, will not misbehave or act in an anti-social way, in the stands, on the concourse or outside the ground, since this would not only embarrass the Club and the rest of our fanbase, but would take some of the ground from under my feet. No pyros or hurling beer all over fellow fans on the councourse ( as happened at Rotherham). Appreciate your work as always Malcolm. How are they allowed to enforce something that isn't in their own ground regulations, and basically just make it up as they go along? Especially, as the same 'banned' items does not apply to home fans. Say if someone refused to hand over their coins, and they denied them entry with no reasonable grounds, then they could be subject to legal proceedings. If only a You Tuber could go up and do this for the benefit of all away fans to visit the SoL. |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 26, 2024 10:59:51 GMT
It’s unfortunate that things have gotten this bad but not entirely surprising. It wouldn’t be necessary if it wasn’t for a reason though and I’m not tarring everyone with the same brush. I’m sure many will disagree but it is a sad indictment of elements of society today. Yes it used to be prevalent but that’s no excuse. People just need to behave. I don’t agree with this by the way but I can understand why it is being implemented, although unfairly and without parity. I hope everyone stays safe and we win, but won’t be surprised if we get one or neither 😂 Aren’t they the only club in the division doing this? Why have “things gotten this bad” there but nowhere else? I don't think there are any other clubs where away clubs are housed on the 1st tier above home fans - but of course that's Sunderland's own choice. We would most certainly not object to being housed pitchside |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 26, 2024 11:04:22 GMT
Aren’t they the only club in the division doing this? Why have “things gotten this bad” there but nowhere else? I mean in terms of people being idiots, I’m not sure why it’s just them doing it but people launching missiles is pathetic I think nearly all of us agree with you on that. One of the problems of Sunderland's approach is that it pisses off ordinary law-abiding fans and in that sense is arguably counterproductive and makes self-policing by the crowd less likely |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 26, 2024 11:11:33 GMT
Those fans who went to the S of L last season will remember the fuss which some of us made about the decision to confiscate coins and other items from visiting supporters only. I have recently been engaged in dialogue with Sunderland about what will happen on Saturday. Unfortunately restrictions will be in place again with coins, vapes, lighters and power banks not being allowed ( note - the Stoke City website only mentions coins and vapes). In response to our representations, Sunderland have made some changes. There will be a programme seller outside the turnstile who takes cards. Last year if you left your coins in the car you couldn't get one or if you got change for a note, they were confiscated at the turnstile. You will also be able to hand items to the stewards, get a ticket and reclaim them after the game. This could for example include a purse or change purse. Whilst these changes are a welcome improvement, I still think the policy is unjustified and disproportionate to the risk. If there is a significant risk it is made worse by Sunderland's decision to house visiting fans in the upper tier above home fans. We used to be at the other end. Am I right in saying that Sunderland are the only Championship club to do this ? It remains a matter of concern that (a) items which are not illegal and which do not appear on the list of prohibited items in their own ground regulations will not be allowed. I cannot imagine, for example, that any stokies would throw a powerpack on to the home fans. They cost money and fans bring them to re-charge phones on a long journey. (b) these are restrictions which apply only to away fans. I am not aware of any other clubs who apply different policies to home and away fans in this way. The ground regs make no reference to this. As a result of my representations I have been invited to meet the safety officer before the game and visit the control room, so I will have the opportunity to make our points verbally to the decision-maker. But it will too late to alter the practice for Saturday. I hope that fellow Stokies, particularly our younger fans, will not misbehave or act in an anti-social way, in the stands, on the concourse or outside the ground, since this would not only embarrass the Club and the rest of our fanbase, but would take some of the ground from under my feet. No pyros or hurling beer all over fellow fans on the councourse ( as happened at Rotherham). Appreciate your work as always Malcolm. How are they allowed to enforce something that isn't in their own ground regulations, and basically just make it up as they go along? Especially, as the same 'banned' items does not apply to home fans. Say if someone refused to hand over their coins, and they denied them entry with no reasonable grounds, then they could be subject to legal proceedings. If only a You Tuber could go up and do this for the benefit of all away fans to visit the SoL. Very good questions ! Depending on what happens tomorrow I may well refer this to the IFO (Independent Football Ombudsman) which we didn't do last year. Incidentally my daughter gave me a heated coat for christmas ( and great it is too ! ). It operates from a powerpack in an inside pocket connected to wires in the coat. I will be interested to see whether they confiscate that ! |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 26, 2024 11:15:01 GMT
You will also be able to hand items to the stewards, get a ticket and reclaim them after the game. This could for example include a purse or change purse. I assume they'll be iteming and listing any items you place in their care on said ticket? And they'll also be counting any monies handed over and giving you a receipt for that amount on official Sunderland headed paper? It will be interesting to see what process they use. They won't return loose coins. They say that all coins collected will be given to Stoke City to give to charity. If you want to keep your coins, put them in a purse or other container and collect it after the game. |
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Post by skip on Jan 26, 2024 11:27:50 GMT
Not helpful in any way, but this Sunderland thing with coins and whatnot is absolutely crackers.
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Post by Eggybread on Jan 26, 2024 11:44:38 GMT
I assume they'll be iteming and listing any items you place in their care on said ticket? And they'll also be counting any monies handed over and giving you a receipt for that amount on official Sunderland headed paper? It will be interesting to see what process they use. They won't return loose coins. They say that all coins collected will be given to Stoke City to give to charity. If you want to keep your coins, put them in a purse or other container and collect it after the game. Then that is absolutely theft and last time I read it was still against the law . the actual word consficate means "to take away TEMPORARILY" for security or legal reasons |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 26, 2024 11:56:27 GMT
It will be interesting to see what process they use. They won't return loose coins. They say that all coins collected will be given to Stoke City to give to charity. If you want to keep your coins, put them in a purse or other container and collect it after the game. Then that is absolutely theft and last time I read it was still against the law . the actual word consficate means "to take away TEMPORARILY" for security or legal reasons It's a moot legal point, Eggy. I am going to ask Sunderland to provide plastic bags, into which fans who don't want all their coins to go to a charity of Stoke City's choice, can place their money, and have them returned after the game. |
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 26, 2024 12:56:47 GMT
To keep you updated, I have just sent the email below to Sunderland FC
Good morning Chris
Thank you for arranging this.
Can I make a specific request as a result of feedback I have received - namely that you provide plastic bags so that travelling fans who don't want all of their coins to go to a charity of Stoke City's choice, can use them to store their coins and collect them after the game ? I think that quite a few are likely to arrive at the ground unaware of the policy.
Steve says "I would refer Dr Clarke to the SCFC DFO who may be able to assist with specific experiences relating to the behaviour of SCFC supporters away from home." Could you let me know what "DFO" stands for ?
Whilst I welcome the changes you have made this season and accept that they should go some way to mitigating the adverse effects on travelling fans of this policy, I remain concerned that
(a) You are confiscating items which are neither illegal nor prohibited in your ground regulations. In some cases ( e.g powerbanks which cost money and are carried by fans to re-charge phones on a long journey, or to heat their coat), the choice of prohibited items seems odd.
(b) You apply a different policy to home and away fans (unique in my experience)
(c) You apply a different policy to different visiting clubs, allegedly based on police "intelligence" which is not available for external scrutiny or challenge.
(d) The policy and its effects appears to be discussed with the SAG Chair and Council officials verbally at games but those discussions and resultant decisions are not recorded in SAG minutes and are thus not available for public scrutiny and effectively by-pass the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. It is a matter of concern that Sunderland City Council exercises its statutory duty in this way, but I accept that this is primarily a matter for the Council rather than the football Club.
(e) The potential for away fans to throw items is enabled by Sunderland FC's own decision to house travelling fans in the upper tier above home fans. I can only think of Newcastle United who also do this.
(f) The hostility among travelling fans which the policy creates is likely to be counter-productive in that it may reduce the likelihood of self-policing in the away crowd.
I am regretting that I let the matter drop after our visit last season. Subject to what happens tomorrow, I am likely to refer the matter to the Independent Football Ombudsman, since I feel it merits neutral external scrutiny.
For the avoidance of any doubt, both myself and the FSA, and I'm sure the overwhelming majority of travelling Stoke City fans, utterly deplore the throwing of any object from the away section into the home crowd below, and any other acts which threaten the safety and well-being of fellow fans.
regards
Malcolm
Malcolm CLARKE
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Post by spiderpuss on Jan 26, 2024 13:03:00 GMT
Nice work Malcolm, at least it will be a better experience for travelling Stokies, albeit small improvements.
I do wonder if any actions were taken against the fans throwing items at AN and Gayle last year? They seem to have been the only incidents in the game and ironically it involved home fans.
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Post by Malcolm Clarke on Jan 26, 2024 13:43:15 GMT
Nice work Malcolm, at least it will be a better experience for travelling Stokies, albeit small improvements. I do wonder if any action were taken against the fans throwing items at AN and Gayle last year? They seem to have been the only incidents in the game and ironically it involved home fans. Indeed ! I'll ask the safety officer tomorrow about that ! |
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