Posted on 3rd October 2012
The French Senate today released its report into the chaos at last season’s Champions League final – completely exonerating Liverpool and Real Madrid fans.
Watching football is not a crime!
This is a story from the FSF archive – the FSF and SD merged to become the FSA in 2019.
AIMS: Watching Football Is Not A Crime! (WFINAC!) is part of the Football Supporters’ Federation’s ongoing drive to monitor the police in their dealings with football fans and work with them to ensure that all fans are treated fairly and within the law.
Are you a Fan In Trouble? Click here information, advice and legal contacts…
BACKGROUND: WFINAC! was launched as a direct reaction to instances of police officers using Section 27 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 as a way of stopping football supporters, usually in pubs, from attending matches. The most high-profile case involved Stoke City fans and the FSF was instrumental winning them compensation totaling approximately £200,000.
Since its launch WFINAC! has grown to encompass more than just Section 27 issues. It’s become something of a rallying cry for supporters who feel they’ve been poorly treated and, often, the FSF has been able to step in and help.
We also teamed up with the civil rights organisation Liberty and are fully committed to taking this issue to court in order to prevent police using Section 27 on innocent football supporters.
FAQs on Section 27:
- What is Section 27?
- What can I do if Section 27 is served on me?
- Section 27 has been served on me. Help!
- Download the Section 27 factsheet here…
If you feel you’ve been unfairly treated by police or stewards contact the FSF’s Amanda Jacks on 07703 519555 or [email protected].
OUTCOMES: The FSF has successfully challenged many examples of unfair treatment and continues to work proactively with clubs/police in order for fans to watch football in the best possible environment. Recent examples:
