by Mike W. » Mon Nov 09, 2009 9:39 pm
The matter of the disabled facilities at Carisle are of concern and that matter is being persued - but it isn't really relevant to this issue.
On the matter of membership of the Football Supporters Federation, you may wish to know that FSF membership is now actually free for all comers, with a range of entirely optional extras that you get the chance of signing up for, that you do pay for (e.g. the FSF's excellent magazine "The Football Supporter"). Anyone that signs an FSF petition would be approached making you a free member, but if you really do NOT want that then you are perfectly free to opt out. Your signature on the petition would still be gratefully received.
As background the events of the incident at Newcastle station were reported as follows -
Sunderland had been playing a pre-season friendly in Scotland, and during the game an announcement was made that an extra special train was being put on to carry Sunderland fans back home. There was actually another train already arranged that was due to get back sooner but when they offered something like this many did opt to take the offer up.
When the train reached Newcastle those on board were rather surprised to find that it was to terminate there and not go on to Sunderland. However the local Metro system does link the two places and the fans decided to use that to complete their trip home. It was at this point that they found that the coach doors on the train were still locked - and they reportedly stayed locked for another 15 minutes.
Eventually the fans were let out only to find themselves surrounded by the Newcastle police. They found themselves shepherded along the platform by a group of officers behind them. The problem that then arose was that ahead there was another group of officers, with dogs, blocking their way, even though the first group of officers were pushing them onwards.
A lot of pushing and jossling took place and the incident started to get ugly. By the way, none of the CCTV published (even by the police) shows fans attacking the police. There was a lot of chanting and shouting initially but the attitude of the police did get more and more agressive, and they did start to use their batons.
One fan was left lying on the ground bleeding heavily from a head wound. Friends pleaded for help but were either attacked themselves or told to shut up or else. That fan is still undergoing treatment. One of the dogs was released, possibly accidently, inflicting injury on fans.
Subsequently the police made the matter public stating that the fans had started the incident, and published CCTV pics of fans' faces, asking for help in finding them, though none of the pictures showed those fans as doing anything amiss. Those fans did "turn themselves in" rather than be the subject of a manhunt, but to date none have been charged. More than one was shown CCTV footage which was said to support the allegation that they had committed offences but which showed nothing of the kind.
Most of this is supported by witness statements, by the way.
The fans that have had their season tickets suspended were identified from CCTV as being present, but none is seen doing anything.
Of serious concern is the fact that the regional police Complaints Commission, very soon after the incident, released a statement to the effect that the police had done nothing wrong. However, the Complaints Commission had talked to none of the fans involved in reaching that view.
Whatever your view about the affair, it is surely wrong Sunderland FC have taken action against fans accused of nothing (yet at least) and it is that wrong that the petition calls for to be corrected. The matter of the incident in Newcastle Station is still under investigation and possible court action, and action by others should not be taken until that investigation is finalised.
Mike W.