Posted on 31st August 2012
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
Every month FSF members meet with their clubs, football authorities, or outside institutions such as the police or local safety advisory groups, to try and get a better deal for fans. Some of these meetings are covered in FSF news stories, like the recent meeting with Liverpool City Council regarding away ticket allocations, but not every meeting can be covered in that depth.
However, that doesn’t mean that things haven’t happened or that there’s nothing to report. With that in mind we thought it’d be an idea to round-up meetings attended by FSF reps, read more below. If you have any queries on any of these meetings please email [email protected] and we’ll pass them on to the appropriate person.
The Football Association of Wales (Friday 3rd August, Cardiff) – FSF Cymru’s Neil Dymock, Paul Corkrey, and Vince Alm met with the FAW and South Wales Police to look at arrangements for the upcoming away trips to Croatia and Serbia and ensure a safe trip for travelling supporters.
The Fighting Cock (Friday 3rd August, London) – the FSF met with Gary Flavell from the fans’ website www.thefightingcock.co.uk. Gary is also part of an informal 250/300 strong group of Spurs fans who are keen to work with the club to improve the atmosphere at White Hart Lane.
Blackburn Rovers Action Group (Saturday 11th August, Blackburn) – the FSF’s Alan Bloore attended a public meeting organised by Blackburn Rovers Action Group with the club’s global advisor Shebby Singh. This was the first time anyone from Rovers had attended an open meeting since the Venky’s took control of the club and 250-300 fans showed up for what was a “very lively” meeting. Singh certainly learned a lesson in how quickly comments will be reported in the media – within 10 minutes of Singh saying Steve Keen would be sacked if Rovers lost three games, it was on the Sky Sports News ticker! Find out more at www.brfcactiongroup.co.uk.
Leeds United Supporters’ Trust with LUFC chief executive Shaun Harvey (Saturday 11th August, Leeds) – this LUST/FSF meeting focused on policing and stewarding at Elland Road and both organisations were pleased to welcome club chief executive Shaun Harvey. A survey by the FSF/LUST had shown that many fans were unhappy with policing and stewarding at Elland Road and number of fans spoke about problems and experiences involving the ‘Response Team’.
Mr Harvey said that the results of the survey and views expressed at the event would be taken forward and used as part of a review of stewarding at Elland Road. Both the FSF and LUST hope that Mr Harvey’s attendance is the beginning of a more open and regular dialogue between the supporters and their club. Rick Duniec attended on behalf of the FSF, you can read more via LUST’s website.
The Metropolitan Police (August, London) – FSF caseworker Amanda Jacks met with Chief Supt Julia Pendy and Sgt Dave Hines at New Scotland Yard together with representatives from fans’ groups at various London clubs to discuss the policing of football matches across the city. Full and frank discussions were had but everyone left feeling optimistic and that communications between fans’ groups and police would be improved.
British Transport Police (August, Manchester) – The FSF met with senior officers within BTP which provided a good opportunity for both sides to discuss the policing of football fans on the railway network. The relationship will hopefully develop throughout the season and it’s very encouraging that BTP are receptive to the FSF’s views and opinions.
Join the FSF for free today from this link.
The Football Supporters’ Federation on Facebook.
Three-quarters (74.8%) of fans intend to return to stadiums from the first fixture in August, with two-thirds of supporters (65.2%) describing themselves as ‘excited’ and four in ten (41.7%) ‘optimistic’ about a return to grounds next season according to the results of an FSA survey.
This week, supporter representatives from FSA Cymru met with the Football Association of Wales (FAW) and senior figures from the Welsh police to discuss issues impacting Wales fans.
Not all supporters know how to report hate crime incidents, be they online or at the match, so we thought it would be useful to explain how.
While last night the vast majority of football supporters saw a talented young team fight its way to the Euro 2020 final, some pathetic individuals saw an opportunity to throw online racist abuse at those very same players.
