Latest News

Hull City have an excellent track record in defending fans’ rights over the years. While there’s been controversy this season due to the attempted name change – which was opposed by the FSF and rejected by the FA – we hope the club and its fans can put that behind them and work together again.

Twelve Leeds United fans have reluctantly discontinued a claim against Greater Manchester Police which stemmed from an incident on 3rd January 2010.

Alison Gurden is a lawyer who works with the FSF and has defended many football fans, including those caught with pyro. She has concerns with current legislation but says “whether or not I agree with the law as it stands…possession of pyro remains an offence”. 

Before this weekend’s fixture fans from both sides of the Tyne-Wear divide called for “passion not poison” when it came to the derby. Now the game has taken place this joint statement from A Love Supreme, Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust, nufc.com, NUFC Fans United, Ready To Go, Roker Report, Seventy3, #time4change, The Mag, True Faith, and Wise Men Say, provides a summary of fans’ experiences on the day:

Earlier this month a unique coalition from both sides of the Tyne-Wear divide successfully campaigned against “bubble match” restrictions. The FSF was very pleased to work alongside them and we’re equally pleased it’s been followed up with another, positive, pre-derby message from various groups/fanzines.

In the past few days fans from Newcastle United and Sunderland have put rivalries aside and worked together to try and overturn the “bubble” game restrictions on next month’s derby. This evening Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United FC released a joint statement confirming that Sunderland “will be withdrawing the terms and conditions of ticket sales, which previously stated that all supporters must attend the game on official transport.” Great news.

UPDATE – Great news, the “bubble” match is no longer going ahead for this fixture so campaigning actions are no longer required. Find out more here.

The below statement is from Northumbria Police…

Christmas is nearly here which means more football and, for many, more booze. While alcohol is often part of fans’ football culture it’s important supporters are aware of the legislation surrounding alcohol and football (even if we don’t agree with it all). FSF Caseworker Amanda Jacks explains more below.

The FSF will hold Watching Football Is Not A Crime! in Liverpool on Thursday 28th November (7pm-9pm). Register for free by sending your name and club to [email protected]. This event is open to fans of all clubs:

It can’t have escaped your notice that pyro – smoke bombs and flares – have been in the news since a linesman was hit by a smoke bomb at Villa Park. Football Supporters’ Federation Caseworker Amanda Jacks looks at the consequences of using pyro…

Clubs have the legal right to ban whoever they like (so long as they don’t break equality laws). But surely there must be adequate appeals processes in place for fans who feel they’ve been unfairly treated? Not always, and different clubs handle things in very different ways, says the FSF’s Amanda Jacks… 

Newly-released figures show the general downwards trend in football-related arrests is continuing, although the Home Office says there remains a “significant risk” that will change if efforts to tackle disorder are reduced.

The FSF is here to help fans who’ve found themselves in a spot of bother. In this blog Caseworker Amanda Jacks runs through some of the more familiar scenarios and offers a little advice on what to do next…

The Independent Police Complaints Commission wants to hear from people who gave accounts to the West Midlands Police as part of the original investigation into the Hillsborough disaster. The IPCC are looking at how WMP conducted its own investigation.

The Independent Football Ombudsman’s Annual Report 2012-13 is out now and can be downloaded from this link. The document is a summary of the IFO’s activities, investigations, adjudications and recommendations from last season.

Richard Knights is an Everton season ticket holder and primary school teacher who opposed his club’s plans to open a “free school”. This lead to an acrimonious fall out between fan and club. In an article that first appeared in the New Statesman journalist Martin Cloake (@MartinCloake) explains why Knights and his supporters feel the club is silencing dissent.

Chester travel to Wrexham on Saturday 31st August and police have determined that this will be a “bubble” match. This means fans must travel on official club transport from a predetermined meeting point, no independent travel is allowed. While the FSF opposes bubble matches Caseworker Amanda Jacks says they’re tough to stop…

Dean Morton, a Sheffield United fan based in Liverpool, tells his story which shows the value of getting some proper legal advice should you find yourself in trouble at the match…