Train companies and British Transport Police (BTP) say that they are to step up efforts to ensure fans and other passengers have trouble free journeys on match days. Each season, say train operators, more and more people are attending football matches with many choosing the railway as the preferred method of getting to and from games.
This plus already increased passenger numbers across the railways, means that trains at weekends are busy with a mix of holiday makers, shoppers, commuters and football fans. Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Thomas, who oversees BTP football-related activities, said: “Football remains a significant challenge for us, simply because of the sheer numbers of people travelling in relatively similar periods of time. We are, however, well used to dealing with large numbers of passengers and, thanks to many years experience, have tried and tested plans to ensure all passengers can get to their destination – and home again – as safely as possible.”
“We work closely with the rail companies and the football clubs themselves to ensure football passengers are well informed about any potential issues and which services and stations are most appropriate. On the ground, our officers do everything possible to keep people on the move as congestion – with large numbers of people in one place for a period of time – can be a precursor to disorder and, occasionally, more serious offences.
“The vast majority of traveling fans cause no problems at all. Sadly, however, some supporters do go too far, overstepping the mark by becoming offensive and even violent. Thankfully, these incidents are relatively rare and carried out by a minority of travelling fans, but when they do happen they can be extremely frightening and intimidating for other passengers. This season, we are making renewed efforts working with the rail industry to identify the small number of disorderly and racist individuals who give clubs and football generally a bad name. If they are very drunk, they will find themselves refused travel; if they are disorderly, they will be removed from trains; if they are anti-social and commit crime, they will be arrested and we will seek banning orders against them.
“For us to respond effectively, however, we need to be aware of incidents as they happen and it is important that rail passengers help us by getting in touch whenever they feel threatened, or witness crime, disorder or anti-social behaviour on the railway. We understand that some situations can be intimidating and it may not seem appropriate to make a phone call to police. In these cases passengers can use our text service, 61016, which enables them to report problematic behaviour discreetly, without drawing the attention of those causing the issues.
“I am certain that no supporter wants to miss the football match they have set out to watch, but we will have no hesitation in applying for banning orders against fans who step out of line. If these orders are granted the fan can expect to miss not only a game or two, but possibly all games for a minimum of three years and, if subject of a custodial sentence, up to ten years.”
– Cumbria Police Police are appealing to Carlisle United and Luton Town fans for information on an incident which left a woman with injuries to her face and head. At around 5pm on Saturday, August 9 a woman, 59, from Carlisle, was stood outside the Griffin Pub, Carlisle, collecting money for charity. Football supporters were in the area at the time of the incident following the Carlisle United vs Luton Town game earlier that day. A verbal altercation took place between opposing football fans, resulting in a fight. The victim sustained cuts and bruising to the back of her head and nose. She was taken to hospital due to her injuries and later discharged.
Detective Constable James Aiston said: “We are continuing to appeal for witnesses to this incident, especially any football fans who were in the area at the time. The woman was standing outside the pub, collecting money for charity and was not involved in any altercation. The incident left the victim with numerous injuries.”
And a spokesperson for Carlisle United said: “We appeal to any fans that were in the area at the time to speak to the police. This behaviour should not be tolerated by any football fan and is not condoned by the club. We wish the woman a swift recovery.”
