LUST Update: Millwall Discussions Show Progress
Over the past few weeks the Trust have been in discussion with Millwall
FC, British Transport Police, Met Police and the Millwall Supporters
Trust in advance of our forthcoming away fixture following the seemingly
avoidable events at the fixture over previous seasons. We are pleased to
report that there has been progress between all parties involved in
anticipation for our opening day fixture on Saturday 9th August, 3.00pm
K.O..
Last season saw congestion and 'kettling' of our fans at London Bridge
station, leading to many fans being bitten by Police Dogs. There has
also been unacceptable chanting about the tragedy in Istanbul. The
purpose of these discussions is to try to improve the match day
experience of everyone attending, from both clubs.
The outcome of the discussion is as follows
London Bridge
The station is still having a major overhaul and is still causing
problems for passengers in general. There will be a Police presence at
Kings Cross and London Bridge. British Transport Police (BTP) said the
majority of pubs around London Bridge are welcoming of away fans.
The Trust asked about dog deployment, BTP said they would use all
tactics depending on the scenario. We have stressed that we hope they
consider their tactic in using this method of 'control' very carefully
beforehand this year, especially when considering recent history.
The Trust also pointed out the 'kettling' onto one tiny platform last
year causing frustration and pushing from the back causing surges and
disorder as those at the front got bitten. The Trust have, therefore,
agreed to assist with communication on the day in working with the BTP
Match Commander using both LUST's and BTP's twitter accounts to
communicate updates as they happen throughout the day. We encourage all
supporters travelling on the day to watch for announcements to
facilitate safe movement before and after the match.
We encourage all travelling support to consider that QPR, Spurs and West
Ham all at home playing in pre-season friendlies on the same day so
there could be cross over at Kings Cross.
Millwall FC
The Club stated the biggest issue last year was flares by Leeds fans
leading to two arrests and banning orders. The Trust asked for the Club
to discourage fans from using Istanbul chants and for their ground staff
and the Met to be proactive to prevent this from re-occurring.
The Trust will contact the Club before the match for updates which will
be passed on through our social media.
Alcohol will be served up to kick off.
Parking around the ground is poor and it is recommended that anything on
display indicating the vehicle belongs to Leeds fans is removed.
The Met
They have spoken to the Crown Prosecution Service regarding the chants.
The advice given is it is not an offence. The Trust view is that any
scenario must be examined in context, such as manner of behaviour,
whether any other actions are involved rather than simply the words used.
The CPS did accept that throat slitting gestures and stabbing gestures
are arrestable and 2 fans were arrested for this last year. The Met will
try to get something in the programme notes regarding these chants. The
Met were approachable and gave feedback that the call was of benefit.
Millwall Trust
The Millwall Trust were very approachable and gave assurances that they
could get messages out to their members and are genuinely supportive of
our work.
We are pleased to have been able to have these discussions and will
continue to seek opportunities with other Clubs in the future during the
2014/15 season.
Our 'Away Days' section will be updated shortly with a guide for travel
to the game.
Supporters can also join more than 9,000 other Leeds fans and have their
voice heard as members of the Leeds United Supporters’ Trust by filling
in the form at www.lufctrust.org. Membership is free. Keep checking for
updates on www.lufctrust.org, and our Facebook and Twitter pages.
_______________________________________________
Leedslist mailing list
Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist
To unsubscribe, email leedslist-unsubscr...@gn.apc.org
John 'Grampa' Sykes
Rest In Peace old lad
28th Oct 1938 - 12 Nov 2013
MARCHING ON TOGETHER
