Stockport County stewards

[AFF]

I believe that it is too easy for there to reference to various issues including the 'apparent' behaviour of our fans in the matchday programme too early without proper consideration and I hope that The Chairman speaks to those involved at Stockport on Saturday before any action is taken

 

I was at the front of the stand and the first I knew of any problems was when I saw the first two of ours being escorted from the ground behind the goal. I immediately spoke to a Supervisor who explained that they were ejected for using foul and abusive language and 'inciting' the home fans, in accordance with F.A. Guidelines. He did not mention that they were ejected for standing up although, presumably, it might have been difficult for the stewards to eject [practically] all 7/800 Saints fans from the ground on that basis. It seemed to me that the Stewards were looking to eject two at a time and then the police became involved, unfortunately.

 

I am happy to state to The Chairman that I exchanged brief greetings with several of "The Stockport 6" at the start of the game and, although I did not have my ready-pocket breathalyser with me to confirm my views, they did not appear to be 'the worse for wear' to me. I am sure that others will support that view. To me, it was entirely good-natured in that stand on Saturday.

 

There was a rumour that one of the Stockport Stewards was 'arrested' by the Police for using threatening behaviour. Does anyone have any details of that somewhat unusual occurence?

 

Very sad. To my eye, the Stewards were heavy-handed in the extreme. As a minor example, a few minutes from time, they massed on the green bit in front of us and wouldn't crouch down to enable us to see the game. Unnecessary and somewate confrontational. They weren't interested. What did/do they do when they get Millwall or Cardiff at Edgeley Park? Have Riot Police standing by, I presume.

[Colin Zeal EFM]

The steward with the long hair and of East European descent (or should that be dissent!!) was the one who hit JS. We were told he'd been taken away and dealt with, but I saw him stewarding in the centre-circle after the game.

[mdetaylor]

Unfortunately you have now seen that the average steward at a league ground makes the average non-league steward look fantastic.

 

AFF - the pitch side standing at the end of games and at half time is a particular favourite of league stewards. When you used to be behind the goal at Stockport they stood on the pitch which meant anyone who was on the front few rows could not see. If you went on to the track in front of the terracing they removed you for having entered the cross hatched area. I can safely say I have never seen someone ejected for their language without having been repeatedly warned, usually by the police.

 

Bolton two years ago - I saw someone be removed for celebrating a goal and being pushed over the front row of seats on to an area in front of the seats. This kid who was no more than 14 was removed for attempting to enter the playing surface.

 

Wolves this year - 25,000 people, a designated non-police game. The stewards let 20 or so people out who are attacked, realise their mistake and lock all the gates until the police turn up. Then threaten to have people arrested who question what they are doing.

 

Many stewards seem to be out of their depth (not their fault but clubs should look more closely at this) or like to think the yellow jacket gives them police powers.

 

You would hope that if as you say there was no one the wrong side of merry and that the atmosphere was friendly as seems to be the case that no action will be taken and/or that the appropriate representations will be made to Stockport.

[Northern Monkey]

Everyone very happy before game. In Pub great time, a few songs etc. Happy in ground, usual "banter" then the stewards start, I personally think it was the female one who was the worst for being arsey. "Inciting" home fans? Ahhh the poor delicate little precious flowers. Did any one witness any crap between fans ? No. Remember we were not actually segregated by barriers or none that I saw.

[Northern Monkey]

Oh and by the way Yorkshire branch I did not smash any seats!

[mdetaylor]

Dirty Seat Smashing L###s

 

Did Carlton the pig get ant stick?

[Northern Monkey]

dunno could not see cos everyone was standing up, oops so was I. Palmer got a bit animated when he thought they should have a 2nd pen, but whats he know.

[Guest]

carlton knows more than u bunch of twats obviously or he wldnt b where he was now