Sponsored by
Police 'too heavy handed' - fans' group
A FOOTBALL fan group has labelled policing at matches "heavy handed".
The newly-formed North East Division of the Football Supporters' Federation claims the police approach makes violence more likely.
Angry scenes erupted after Newcastle's 2-0 win over fierce rivals Sunderland in April, with six people arrested amid violent scenes.
But Thom Bradley, chairman of the federation, said false perceptions of football fans often led to unfair treatment, and fuelled anger both inside and outside the ground.
Mr Bradley said the two biggest issues that angered fans were being detained inside grounds after the game, and the way fans were told to sit down during matches.
He said: "There are a number of issues around the policing, particularly of derby matches.
"That's not having a pop at police, we are hoping to work with them so we get it right."
Northumbria Police said action at games was aimed at protecting tens of thousands of fans, and stressed that communication with supporters was important to the force.
Chief Inspector Bruce Story, of Northumbria Police's Football Unit, said: "We work closely with local clubs, British Transport Police and fan groups to ensure a safe environment for the members of the public who go to watch matches."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for South Shields
Thursday 09 February 2012
Today
Heavy sleet
Temperature: 1 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light sleet showers
Temperature: -0 C to 3 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South
