Reds Away End of Season Report 2013/14

1
Foreword
Thanks for picking up a copy of my end of season report.
This is the second year I have written it in the summer months, reflecting on the ups and
downs of the past season in terms of ticket allocations, safety issues at away matches and
the relationship between fans groups and officials from various organisations.
My own background is this: In 2008 I set up the Reds Away blog to make it easier for me and
my friends to plan our European away trips. This became a blog that was of wider interest to
many reds and evolved into redsaway.com
The website transferred over in October 2013 to form a partnership with the superb United
We Stand Fanzine and, since then, Reds Away has its own section on the UWS online forum,
which is an annual subscription-based service.
I am also and have been for a year a committee member for the Manchester United
Supporters Trust with responsibility for away ticketing and safety issues.
All of the work I detail in this report is done on behalf of MUST and communicated to reds
via the MUST website and via the UWS online forum.
While it may sound disappointing that no club increased our allocation in 2013/14 from
what it was in the previous season, there is an upside in that several clubs were considering
docking us tickets and our work helped prevent this.
It was disappointing however that various officials decided to keep our allocations low at
Tottenham and West Ham and that communication levels surrounding these games and the
game at Stoke could have been better.
For the first time this year, we have obtained police reports for European away games,
putting the spotlight on the work English police do at these games.
However, it is disappointing that we will not have the luxury of European competition in the
forthcoming season, though that will allow MUST more time to focus on domestic issues.
On that point, MUST strongly welcomes the renewed relationship with United, kick started
by the arrival of Ed Woodward, who can recognise that, while MUST might not agree with
the club on some things, there is no reason we cannot work together on others.
I praise United for their open dialogue at present, but would argue that communication
needs to grow, with fans having a greater say on everything from ticket pricing to how fans
are punished for wrongdoings at games.
Heres to a successful season on and off the pitch in 2014/15
Dale Haslam
2

Contents
4 - Allocations and prices
5- Wigan
8 - Swansea
10 - Liverpool
15- Manchester City
18 - Shakhtar Donetsk
20 - Fulham
23 - Real Sociedad
26 - Bayer Leverkusen
29 - Tottenham
32 - Aston Villa
35 - Stoke City (League Cup)
38 - Hull City
41 - Norwich City
44 - Sunderland (League Cup)
48 - Chelsea
49 - Stoke
50 - Arsenal
52 - Crystal Palace
54 - West Bromwich Albion
55 - West Ham United
59 - Bayern Munich
61 - Newcastle United
64 - Everton
68 - Southampton
3

Other sections
69 - Burnley
69 - Leicester
69 - QPR
70 - Away ticket distribution
71 Football Supporters Federations view

4

Allocation Adults Over 65s Over 60s
Under
21s
Arsenal 2,894 62 26.50
Aston Villa 3,033 41 33
Cardiff 2,700 40 25

25
Chelsea* 2,939 59/55 25
Crystal Palace 2,494 45 31
Everton 2,850 44/38 28.25/25.50
Fulham 2,979 49 39

39
Hull City 2,280 35 23

23
Liverpool* 2,678 48/47 36/35
Manchester City* 2,617 55/53 46/44

37
Newcastle 2,959 48 36
Norwich 2,492 54 44
Southampton 2,958 40 35

35
Stoke City 2,496 40 27
Sunderland 2,383 39 26
Swansea 2,076 45 22.50

22.50
Tottenham 1,896 48 28
West Brom 2,491 39

29 25
West Ham 1,928 52 29

*One price for upper tier, one for lower
United took 4 off the price of most of these games

To see the full table, including full concessionary categories, visit
tinyurl.com/allocationsandprices

Overall, allocations were not at the maximum at Everton, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester City,
Stoke City, Sunderland, Tottenham and West Ham.

I hope that we will get the maximum allocation next season at Stoke City and a higher
number at Tottenham and West Ham.

Congratulations to Hull City for charging us the lowest ticket price and to Aston Villa for
offering the most flexible ticket pricing categories.

More clubs should follow West Broms lead in opening up the concessionary price to over
60s (as opposed to over 65s) and clubs should take note of Swanseas generous
concessionary prices.

Generally, clubs should offer a uniform concessionary price and it is good that Swansea and
Southampton recognise that a 16 year old is likely to have more money than an 11 year old,
for example.

5

Wigan Athletic
Community Shield
Wembley
Sunday August 11, 2013, 14:00
35,000 tickets

Pre-match considerations

After the 2011 UEFA Champions League final, it had been suggested that Brent Council
could reduce Uniteds future allocations at Wembley.
1

I asked Brent Council if there would be a reduction for this game and the reply was that
United would get a full allocation of 35,000 tickets.

Match considerations

None

Post-match considerations

The police report is generally encouraging though it is important for police forces to
substantiate their allegations (what does anti-social mean in this case, for example?)

It would also be constructive if they stopped redacting key parts of the reports.

It is important for us to continue to monitor Brent Councils attitude towards United fans
due to the issue above.

Hopefully, there (supposed) concerns are a thing of the past, but it is important that we
check in case the first we know of allocation reductions or restricted ticket sales down to
demographics is when it is too late to stop. This is especially important due to the
magnitude of games at Wembley.

1
http://redsaway.com/2012/01/uniteds-wembley-allocations-could-be-reduced/

6

Police report

The ticket sales for this game were heavily in favour to Manchester United which was
reflected in the dynamics of the supporter build up at pre match phase .

It was noticeable that the majority of general well behaved supporters including families
had made their way into the stadium in good time for kick off.

Those that remained drinking in the pubs local to the stadium were mainly older males and
some could be described as `anti social'.

Pre match

A steady flow of Manchester United supporters began to arrive at the and <redacted>
without issue for Police.

A large number of Man Utd supporters drank in <redacted> but again there were no major
issues of note.

The pubs in and around the stadium environs were ve ry busy with Manchester United
fans and as kick off drew near the behaviour of Manchester fans at the <redacted> began
to deteriorate.

A disturbance inside the pub was reported and police units were deployed to maintain
order.

As the majority of supporters made their way toward the stadium, a red smoke bomb was
discharged near to the <redacted> no suspects identified.

There were reports of smoke bombs being discharged along the East ramp of the stadium
pedway and in Wembley High Street near to JJ Moons PH - again there were no suspects
identified and no injuries .

There were no issues of note as supporters entered the stadium and the game commenced
on time.

During match

There were no particular issues of note throughout the game although there was a report
<redacted>.

It was noticeable that a large number of Man Utd supporters had consumed a considerable
amount of alcohol throughout the half time break
2
and they remained drinking as the
second half commenced.

2
It seems strange that the police have mentioned this. Many fans would make use of the bar at half time.
7

Toward the end of the game as some supporters began to leave there was a `verbal'
exchange between opposing supporters but quick intervention by spotters stopped any
escalation.

Post match

Dispersal was fairly swift with the majority of supporters leaving via Wembley Park tube
station.

There were no reports of any football related disorder issues in the Wembley area or
Central London.

8

Swansea
Premier League
Liberty Stadium
Saturday August 17, 17:30
2,076 tickets


Last year, many fans were not happy with the 12:30 kick-off time of this fixture in 2012/13
and we felt this was better, though it still gave people few options to make the long journey
home after the game.

It would be much better if the Premier League restricted the kick-off time of games to 15:00
when the visiting club is based a certain number of miles away (though I appreciate that this
is impractical both in terms of fixture compilation and commercial interests with
broadcasters).

At last seasons game, a flare was thrown in the away end, narrowly missing another United
fan.

Afterwards, representatives of South Wales Police told me that they were giving serious
consideration to restricting our allocation for this game.

After lengthy telephone conversations and a commitment from MUST to publicise messages
to fans about the dangers of setting off flares at matches
3
, the police announced they would
maintain Uniteds allocation at the maximum level.

This was a good example of fans groups working with other authorities to come out with a
common-sense decision that suits everyone.


None


The police report 14 reds were ejected from the ground (though its always contentious to
include those ejected from the home end in this figure), some for aisle blocking. This
suggests police were able to deal with aisle blocking and that it was an exception rather
than the rule.

Before the 2014/15 fixture, I will once again speak with South Wales Police to see if there
are any issues arising but, with behaviour overwhelmingly good (there was not one single
arrest) and no repeat of any flares, there is no reason to suggest anything else than a
maximum allocation again.

3
http://redsaway.com/2013/07/full-allocation-for-swansea-trip/
9

Police report

No issues pre match with an orderly build up of both sets of supporters in the City Centre
with no risk from Swansea City seen and only a handful of Manchester United risk seen in
the City Centre.

Pre match a report was received from the duty manager of a service station on the outskirts
of Cardiff suggesting that a mini bus of Manchester United supporters were behaving in an
anti-social manner at the premises.

Observations were circulated for this vehicle and it was located a short while later at a PH
just outside Swansea.

The occupants were spoken to and suitable advised and no offences were disclosed, this
group were monitored en route to the stadium without further incident.

One Manchester United supporter who provided no details made a complaint to stewards
that a Swansea City supporter was making airplane gestures towards the away end
(believed to be a reference to the Munich air crash), this area was monitored by CCTV and
EGT with no offences disclosed.

Post match a report was received of an incident of disorder at a nearby PH historically
connected to Swansea City risk supporters.

Upon attendance of police it was clear that an incident had taken place with a Manchester
United supporters mini bus damaged and a number of home and away supporters present
in the vicinity, some of whom were known to both home and away spotters.

No complaints were forthcoming and alternative transport arrangements were made by the
away supporters with th eassistance of local police and spotters.

There is no CCTV available in the area however the vehicle was examined by scenes of
crimes officers and the results are pending.

There were fourteen away ejections by stewards for various breaches of ground regulations
(smoking, excess alcohol, anti-social behaviour, away fan in home end and persistent
standing).

10

Liverpool
Premier League
Anfield
Sunday September 1, 13:30
2,814 according to United, 2,678 according to police


On July 23, 2012, Liverpool Councils licensing committee met and voted in favour of a
report
4
which recommended putting restrictions on Uniteds allocation at all matches at
Anfield and Goodison Park.

It is worth noting that, like most councils, they were not instructing the relevant host club to
set a given allocation, but were merely instructing the club to not sell certain seats in order
to ensure the stadium abided by the terms of the safety certificate issued by the council.

One aspect of the decision was that the decision did not need to be revisited annually
unless the council or the clubs specifically asked for a review.

While this might appear like a bad move, its actually quite positive, as it sets in stone the
councils decision to give United 849 more tickets than they got at Anfield in season
2011/12.

In essence, no news is good news: Unless we see that the council is going to discuss this
issue again, we know that United will continue to get that relatively high allocation and,
indeed, that is what allocation United got in 2013/14.

Of course, it could be argued that we should be getting the full 3,000 tickets, but the council
seems to have made up its mind that the only way this could happen is if they sold the back
two rows of the away end both of which offer a restricted view and encourage fan
migration and aisle blocking.

This is tricky ground: While trying this might be worth a go, there is also the argument that it
could backfire and trigger aisle blocking and a return to allocations lower than 2,000.

* * *
It is interesting that Merseyside Police said they contacted United support groups before
this match and got no reply.

Noone from the MUST committee received this communication and I would have been
happy to reply if that were the case, but it is welcoming that the police even tried some
forces dont. (I will ensure that this communication is in place ahead of the 2014/15 fixture).

* * *

4
http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/documents/s100519/standing.pdf
11

Those in charge of the Liverpool FC Twitter account thought it would be a good idea to ask
fans to nominate songs to be played on the PA system before the game.

As noted in the police report, the suggestions were undoubtedly offence and this drew
media attention
5
not least because Liverpools Twitter account seemed to be joining in
with the bad-taste jokes. The club apologised and we hope there will be no repeat.


None from the United side. It was good to see free buses laid on after the game to take fans
back to Lime Street Station.


A recurring theme is why the allocation stated by United is different to the one given by
police.

With tickets in such small supply and high demand, its important we know exact allocations
and whether the difference, for example, is down to complimentary/player/sponsor tickets
that are in the allocation given by the host club but are not in the designated away end.

As is routine, I will speak to Liverpools stadium safety manager to check that the allocation
will be staying the same.

Police report

5
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2013/08/30/liverpool-twitter-mocks-munich_n_3841063.html

12

13

14

15

Manchester City
Premier League
City of Manchester Stadium
Sunday September 22, 16:00
2,618 tickets (the police report below is incorrect)


In pre season, Citys stadium safety manager Peter Fletcher, who had been a good contact
for the last few years, retired and was replaced.

I was always pleased that Peter was more than happy to share information about allocations
and matchday arrangements.

On September 21, 2013, I attended a meeting at the City of Manchester stadium with
representatives of City, United and GMP to discuss matchday arrangements
6
.

These meetings are always useful in being able to put ideas across and feedback to fans
about what they can expect on the day.

Specifically, we were able to ensure GMP officers planned to use visible collar numbers and
that they would allow fans to use the toilets in the event of fans being kept in after the
game (though that didnt happen for this game).


The police report makes less reference the coin throwing between fans than in previous
years, which seems to suggest some progress.


Short of one incident outside the ground, for which someone was arrested (we dont know
if they were charged or convicted so there is no way knowing if an offence was committed)
it seems to have passed peacefully.

There were five arrests in total but the police report doesnt specific what four of them
were for (or if they resulted in charges or convictions).

I anticipate a similar pre-match meeting will take place next year and that Uniteds
allocation will be the same as last year.

This is because that coin throwing means City will continue argue seats need to carry on not
being sold on the away-end perimeter to create room for police and stewards and that,
because reds stood in the upper tier, they will continue to argue seats need to carry on not
being sold in the first two rows of the upper tier.

6
http://redsaway.com/2013/09/derby-day-advice/

16

Police report

17

18

Shakhtar Donetsk
UEFA Champions League group stage
Donbass Arena
Wednesday October 2, 1945 (UK time)
Circa 900 reds, 600 according to police


This was a rare United game where the number of fans there was lower than the number of
tickets available.

This was the first time United had played in Donetsk and we were unsure what to expect
from the trip (having previously encountered trouble in Kiev seven years ago).

I sought the advice of Arsenal fans group representatives who had been there and was able
to share information about the city with other fans via the usual websites.

The trip went well and locals welcomed reds with open arms, with fans mixing before the
game and even taking part in a five-a-side game
7
.

It was particularly pleasing that a black fan, who had been warned to expect racism from the
trip, encountered no discrimination
8
.


It was good that the stadium had a special heating system in the roof to keep fans warm in
freezing conditions.

The only other observation I would make from the game was one fan was heard to sign a
racist song aimed towards Asians.

He stopped when confronted, but there is absolutely no place for racism amongst our
support. This shows fans are prepared to self police and how it can work.

Empowering fans in this way is better than to just encourage them to phone a number to
report such abuse.


None

7
http://redsaway.com/2013/10/reds-win-in-ukraine-er-kind-of/

8
http://redsaway.com/2013/10/heading-east-a-fans-diary-from-donetsk/

19

Police report

Match Category
ATTENDANCE: Home: 55000 Away: 600 TOTAL: 55600
No arrests or ejections
MUFC were allocated 1800 tickets for this fixture but only around 600 travelled, the first
round fixtures have in recent seasons been less well attended.
The MUFC supporters who braved the trip were in the main well behaved, most attended
the Golden Lion PH where the vast majority of supporters visit when there is a fixture in the
city.
As the day progressed the weather got steadily worse and come kick off time most
supporters were glad to get into the stadium for its shelter and heating.
There were no issues during the game and none post match.

20

Fulham
Premier League
Craven Cottage
Saturday November 2, 15:00
2,979 tickets


The situation with this game in recent years has been ambiguous to say the least.

Fulham dont often sell out and try to attract tourists so they have a neutral section which
is adjoined to the away end only there is no segregation.

So it is possible for someone to get a ticket in the neutral end, go into the United end and
cause problems which could result in decreased allocations.

However, opposing this set up a few years ago did not seem like a good idea, because, at
the time, United fans could buy as many as 2,000 open-sale tickets online without needing a
membership or anything else.

Up until season 2012/3, you could buy these tickets on Seatwave and, essentially, the entire
stand became the away end.

Fulham kept that system in place for all but two games: Chelsea and United (while still
giving us more tickets than the rules dictate).

This season, you had to be a Fulham season ticket holder or member to buy a neutral end
ticket.

Be that as it may, MUST and Redsaway expressed pre-match concerns to Fulham that not
having segregation between stands was a concern, but Fulham went ahead regardless.

After the game, Fulham safety officer Steven Riley (see the email below) seemed surprised
that there (apparent) problems with bad behaviour.

They were always creating a rod for their own back by failing to control where neutral end
tickets end up and by not properly segregating the neutral end from the away end.

It was obvious that fans would migrate from the neutral end to the away end and stewards
struggling to cope in a crowded area.

In short: We told them, they didnt listen, and there were problems.

21

This is irritating for two reasons: First, it could mean we get fewer tickets when we next play
Fulham. Second, it meant we got fewer tickets than we otherwise would have for the
2013/14 Tottenham game because Tottenham officials set our allocation based on reds
behaviour at other London grounds.


The following email was obtained when I made a Freedom of Information Act request to
Haringey Council to establish why Tottenham officials had decided to freeze our allocation.

They had taken account of Fulhams verdict of behaviour at that game (some of the
information appears to be based on what other people have told him and it remains to be
seen how a fan not even in the ground can be ejected from it).

Fulham safety officer Steven Riley said: This was the most challenging fixture at Craven
Cottage for some considerable time.

As with last season, the visiting Manchester United supporters were the most abusive,
uncooperative and intoxicated set of supporters to come to Craven Cottage so far this
season.

Away supporters arrived at the ground very late and after having caused problems for
the police in local public houses including the setting off of 'smoke grenades and other
pyros'.

The late walk up, combined with significant ticket scams including pass backs, photocopy
tickets and ticketless fans trying to jump the turnstile added to the issues caused by the
late walk up and the significant congestion at the Away Turnstiles.

There were also numerous issues after kick off relating to away supporters in home
areas and the poor, uncooperative and abusive behaviour of the visiting supporters.

There were 5 arrests of away fans, including 1 for historical racial abuse crime (abuse of a
steward at last seasons Man United fixture), 1 Drunk entering found in possession of lass
A drugs, 1 for having a false instrument (fraud) and attempting to enter with alcohol, 2
for Drinking in view with a further 3 visiting supporters not arrested but summoned for
drinking in view.

There were 20 ejections on the day, 15 visiting supporters at the Putney turnstiles for
ticket issues and drunkenness, 1 away supporter from the Putney Stand for foul and
abusive language and 3 home supporters for ticket issues and poor behaviour.

Robust stewarding was implemented to protect the stadium entry points and to ensure
that the aisles and gangways remained clear at all times, the visiting supporters stood
enemas throughout the afternoon.

22

On the day we had around 50 extra Stewards including three response teams to manage
the gangways and aisles in the away.

An additional 6 Stewards to prevent climbers and gate rushers at the ends of the stadium
and an additional 12 in the track in front of the away.

We had no communication at all from MUFC pre match and no info from GMP re
coaches.

Best wishes and good luck (to Tottenham)..... they (United fans) are a nightmare !!!


When Fulham next play United, it would be helpful to have a full and frank discussion with
the club about how to come up with a more reasonable ticket sales procedure for this game
one that suits Fulham as a club and United fans.

I feel that giving the entire Putney End to United fans would reduce the risk of reds buying
tickets in the home end, migrating between the neutral end and away end and other
problems. It is also important to consider, alongside The Met, how the number of and
approach of, police can impact on the behaviour of fans.

Police report (this was heavily redacted)

It was an extremely busy pre-match period. A large turn up at the ground with 15 minutes
to go before ticket off.

A vast numbering in excess of 20 were ejected at the turnstiles.

During the game, Manchester fans were noisy and argumentative and two further arrests
took place from drinking from flasks in view of the pitch.

Post match was very quick and orderly considering the earlier behaviour.

Arrests: FFC 0-5 MUFC
Ejections: FFC 0-16 MUFC

23

Real Sociedad
San Sebastian
Wednesday November 5, 19:45 (UK time)
1,728 tickets


None


None


After the game, a fan asked for MUSTs help in dealing with a complaint relating to GMP.

The fan alleged a spotter working for GMP had confiscated his ticket.

The fan made a formal complaint and GMP investigated it.

Some months later, the fan decided to drop the complaint.

While there has been no similar allegations made since possibly as a result of the publicity
GMP received about this complaint I am extremely disappointed in the way GMP handled
this case, though it is difficult to discuss specifics.

It shattered my confidence in the complaints process and GMP has a lot of work to do to
show fans that it will not tolerate abuse of position among its own officers and to show it
will handle allegations in the correct way.

With regards to the moments after the game, I did not see any baton strikes, nor did anyone
I spoke to.

24

Police report

MATCH RESUME (AWAY)
Real Sociedad De Futbol v Manchester United
Champions League Fixture on: 05/11/2013 Kick Off: 20:00:00

Match Category C Result: 0:0

ATTENDANCE
Home: 28000 TOTAL:
Away: 1800

ARRESTS EJECTIONS
TOTAL 1 TOTAL 0
Manchester United 1 Manchester United 0

On Match day -1 although there were a number of Manchester United supporters present in
both San Sebastian and Bilbao there were no incidents of note and supporters appeared to
mix well in the local bars.

On Match day itself the Manchester United ticket collection point located within the City
Centre at the Congress Centre Box Office proved to be a suitable location with supporters
finding with ease and by kick off only around 30 tickets where uncollected.

Following reports of a fight outside the Garager Bar it transpired that this was between
Manchester United supporters who had travelled together on the official Thomas Cook
Sports trip.

Local Police attended and arrested one whilst a second individual was taken to hospital with
a head injury.

After being put in front on a Local Judge the arrested person was released post match and
allowed to travel back on his flight along with the injured party.

The trip organiser was however contacted by GMP officers and arrangements made to keep
the two individuals apart on the coaches to the Airport and flights home.

On Match day enquiries by GMP in conjunction with the UKFPU also revealed a Manchester
United supporter who had travelled out to San Sebastian after providing false information
to the FBOA and obtaining and exemption to travel.

Evidence of this offence was obtained by GMP and arrangements made with the male to
attend a Police Station to be arrested and interviewed on his return.

This subsequently took place and the individual has now been charged with multiple
breaches of Football Banning Order and baled to Court.

25

At the stadium itself it was clear that the turnstile arrangements would prove inadequate.

The actual arrangements of the turnstiles and ticket checks were sufficient however the
number and positioning of stewards did not afford enough protection to this area.

After considerable work by the FA representative present and Manchester United to rectify
the situation the decision was made to deploy CES stewards to support the turnstiles and
this proved to be successful.

Although the majority of Manchester United supporters behaved well there was evidence of
excessive alcohol consumption amongst away supporters and a number of attempts were
made at the turnstiles to enter without tickets and isolated incidents of intoxicated
supporters being confrontational towards local Police and GMP spotters.

One such incident related to a number of intoxicated Manchester United supporters who
were observed by GMP spotters discussing how members within the group could obtain
entry to the stadium without being in possession of tickets.

When approached by spotters and local officers, individuals within this group became
abusive and confrontational resulting in entrance to the stadium being refused and them
being requested to leave the area by Spanish Police.

During the fixture the nearly all the Manchester United support stood throughout, however
with plenty of space in the away sector this caused no issues and there was no blocking of
aisles or vomitories.

It was clear however that some Manchester United supporters had managed to obtain
tickets in home sectors but this appeared to cause no issues for the host force on the night.

In the lead up to the final whistle there were three announcements regarding the away
support being subject to a holdback, however when this came to take place the Manchester
United support proved impatient to leave the Stadium and due to their pushing and protests
the Spanish Police made the decision to remove stewards and replace them with Public
Order officers to maintain the integrity of the holdback.

Following this Spanish officers briefly used Baton strikes against some supporters before it
reached a point when the exit gates had to be opened at the Hold back could no longer be
maintained.

On leaving the stadium there was initially some confusion as the earlier than anticipated
egress had resulted in the away coaches not yet being brought up to the Stadium, however
there attended within a matter of minutes and the supporters mixed without any
confrontations being reported.

26

Bayer Leverkusen
Bay Arena, Leverkusen
Wednesday November 27, 19:45 (UK time)
2,589 tickets


In the run up to the match GMP and United sent representatives to look at the stadium and
made the decision that 400 seats that Leverkusen were prepared to give to reds were
deemed unsafe.

At the time, a United source told us: The decision was made by our stadium safety officer
in conjunction with both English and German local authorities.

It is disappointing that this was not communicated in a more effective way by the club
before the match given that tickets were in high demand and fans were making travel
arrangements from the minute the draw was made.

That said, the widely held view among fans seems to be that the current ticket collection on
site (TCOS) system works very well for European away games and ensures that those most
deserving are first in line for tickets.

TCOS means that fans have a much better chance than prior to its introduction in 2011 of
predicting if they will be get a ticket, but they need to know the allocation to assess this and,
given that Leverkusen had previously announced United would get 2,900 tickets, the
crossed wires were unhelpful.


Witnessing the German model of football policing in action highlights the shortcoming of
the way football is policed in England.

Trains between Cologne, Dusseldorf and Leverkusen were free to and from the game and
police were very easy going outside the ground, allowing fans to drink on the street with no
restrictions on neighbouring bars, and behaviour was good.


None.

27

Police report

28

29

Tottenham
Premier League
White Hart Lane
Sunday December 1 noon
1,896 tickets


United used to get close to 2,900 tickets, split between the lower and upper tier of the away
end, but Spurs stopped selling the entire upper tier amid fears standing fans would fall off
the stand.

Before the 2011/12 game, Haringey Council had told us they were going to give us 800 more
tickets, but then they changed their minds when reds threw objects onto the pitch at
Chelsea.

I had hoped for an increase for 2012/13, but it wasnt to be.

Between them, Haringey Council and Spurs came up with three separate reasons for this.

Spurs blamed standing in the upper tier (though weve not had that tier for years, the
council blamed poor behaviour during congestion at the turnstile in 2011/12 (though Spurs
had previously admitted partial responsibility for causing the problems and admitted they
were unlikely to reoccur) and the council also blamed it on how United fans behaved at
Fulham earlier that season (see the Fulham section above for details).

Tellingly, the police report from the game said there were no real incidents in the stadium
during the match though this was not enough to earn us a ticket increase.

I was frustrated not only by the contradictory nature of these explanations but by the fact
that it took so long to find them out.

Numerous requests for information to Haringey Council were either ignored or not fully
answered and, in the end, I put in a Freedom of Information Act request asking for all emails
to and from the council on this subject and learned the information above.


The police report again said there were no problems.


We discussed the problems highlighted above with representatives of the Tottenham
Hotspur Supporters Trust, who met with representatives of Spurs, the Met Police, British
Transport Police and Haringey Council on June 9, 2014.

30

The minutes
9
suggest the allocation will be decided in mid September and that, providing
reds dont cause any major issues at away games before then, United should get a ticket
increase for the December 2014 trip to Spurs.

These tickets, we think, would be in the upper tier, with the first two rows netted off. These
tickets are currently sold to home fans.

Another bit of good news was that the council committed to speak to MUST before the
decision was made.

The council has agreed, in principle, for a THST representative to sit in on safety advisory
group meetings, so they can, potentially at least, have an input on how allocations are set.

Altogether, it seems to have been a very productive meeting, though we shouldnt celebrate
too soon as the extra tickets are not yet secured.

Police report on next page

9
http://www.thstofficial.com/thst-updates/thst-police-safety-forum-meeting-9-june-2014.aspx

31

32

Aston Villa
Premier League
Villa Park
Sunday December 15, 13:30
3,033 tickets


Last year, I predicted various authorities might seek to reduce our allocation at Villa due to
aisle blocking identified in the 2011/12 match police report.

I checked with Villa officials in the run up to this game and, thankfully, the number of tickets
remained the same the highest allocation we get for league games.


The police report does refer to some aisle blocking, though the next bit goes onto say: I
have to say the MUFC fans were the one of the best behaved sets of fans at Villa Park this
season.
The next season appears to suggest they put the good behaviour down to the kick off time and day of
the fixture.
It seems to be a simple equation of in the good books = high number of tickets, so the onus will be on
encouraging fans not to block the aisles at the 2014/15 game in December.

33

Police report
This fixture was moved to a Sunday and 13:30hrs kick off for Sky.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * X X X X X X X X * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * in respect of this fixture in the run up to the game.

There were concerns surrounding the City Centre and German Market and New Street Station
capacity and Commanders had a plan in place to deal with any issues.

Phase 1

very little groups of MUFC fans drinking in the City centre, a group of around 60 arrived by train at 09:30
as reported by BTP but these were spread around various pubs in the City Centre when Spotters got out,
and causing no issues.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * X X X X X X X X X X X X * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * at all and the influx of fans were not causing any additional issues with
the German Market or City Centre.

Around the ground MUFC fans drank in the Witton Arms and Yew Tree Pubs and were very
subdued.*****************************************************************
X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
**************************************** **********
****************************************** but there was no over indulgence whatsoever.

10 away coaches and 6 minibuses arrived, the majority of which were late and had to alight by the
Holte stand but the turnstiles were organised and contrary to previous years there was no
last minute mad rush and turnstile spinning, one of the most orderly entrances into VP of
any fans this season.

It was evident that the early kick off had a dramatic effect on the behaviour of MUFC fans entering
the ground and there was no drunken ASB.
5 away fans refused entry as in possession of home area tickets.

Phase 2

MUFC fans stood throughout and did block the gangways but that said they're general behaviour was
very good, they engaged in the usual cross segregation banter but at no point did it ever get out of hand.

1 Home fan was arrested for disorder following the ejection of away fans in home sections of
the ground. and a total of 33 away ejections took place by Club stewards all for away fans in Home
sections of the ground.

Phase 3

MUFC fans left in an orderly fashion

1 Home fans arrested for minor Public Order offence.
34

As there was no escort for the coaches the dispersal away from the stadium was slow but caused no
issues.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * X X X X X X X X X X X X X X * * *
* * ****** ** ****************************************************

I have to say the MUFC fans were the one of the best behaved sets of fans at VP this season,
although they did all stand and block the gangways, no attempt was made by away fans to enter the
field of play, throw missiles or set off pyrotechnics inside the stadium.

I am only hopeful that all Villa v MUFC fixtures are played at 13:30hrs

35

Stoke City
League Cup quarter finals
Britannia Stadium
Wednesday Dececember 10, 19:45
4,207 tickets (4,054 according to police)

Stoke staff were very communicative in the run up to the match, updating me on the
allocation-setting process, the allocation itself and pricing.

Likewise, British Transport Police and Staffordshire Police shared details of their planned
operation (which mainly involved encouraging reds to go to the Students Union, so they
could get matchday buses to the ground.


When you consider that the stadium is on the edge of town with limited public transport
serving it, the fact that the match was on a winter midweek evening and the fact that United
had a larger allocation than normal, there was always the potential for problems in getting
fans to the match on time.

As stated above, police were keen for reds arriving by train to take the matchday bus to the
game.

Many fans said that some of these buses showed up 20 minutes into the game, by which
time the aisles were blocked in some of the blocks, and that lead to congestion at entrances.

Here is one fans account: The police handed out a handout to is at the station stating
where to drink/eat and when buses would leave to the station (6:45) - so this was good,
nice and straightforward.

Waiting in the rain for the police escort buses (4 double deckers) they finally arrived at
approx 7:25 (after being told 7, then 10 past, quarter past etc.) and after getting on we
arrived at the Britannia around 5-10 mins after KO at which point it's near impossible to
find your seat and if you do someone will already be standing there.

Having 4 buses full of fans arriving late also meant that the aisles of the stadium were
also partially blocked in places with people unable to reach their seats as they were late
turning up.

It is hard to know if the late show is justified (given the terrible weather on the night and the
level of traffic) but it is disappointed that the buses could not have got better access.

36

As widely reported at the time, someone in the United end was spotted holding a flare
10
at a
time when football authorities and police were warning that such incidents could result in
banning and even imprisonment for offenders and allocation cuts for fans.

Unlike all other police forces, Staffordshire Police does not, for whatever reason, write a
qualitative post-match police report about the incident, so it is difficult to know what their
take on the away end was.

We do know there were six arrests three home fans and three away fans and no ejections.

A few weeks after the match, I did see (but do not have a copy of) a written account of the
night from Stokes stadium safety manager Ravi Sharma, who described the behaviour of
United fans in a not-so flattering way. (See the section about the Stoke league game later on
in this document for more on this subject).

Given the high allocation and the late arrival due to the buses, three arrests seems like a
good outcome for police and would indicate the vast majority of fans had an enjoyable and
issue-free night.


None

10
http://www.backpageimages.com/photos/2608865-stoke-city-v-manchester-united

37

Police report

Home Team Stoke City Away Team Manchester United
SPACER

Date (dd/mm/yyyy) 18/12/2013 Kick Off Time (hh:mm) 19:45
SPACER

Team Division: PREMIERSHIP Competition Capital One Cup 5

Match Category Score 0-2
SPACER

Attendance Home 21874 Attendance Away 4054
SPACER

TOTAL Arrests 6 Total Attendance 25928
Home Away Neutral

Arrests 3 3 0

Ejections 0 0 0

Refused Entry 0 0 0

38

Hull City
Premier League
KC Stadium
Thursday December 26, kick off 12:45


This was Hulls first season back in the Premier League. The last time we played them, it was
the final day of the season and spirits were high among the United fans, as they were when
United travelled to West Brom.

In the case of West Brom, safety officials understood that some of the things that went on
that day (lots of reds in the home end, etc) were unlikely to repeated and agreed to keep
the allocation at the maximum level.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Hull City Council, who gave us 2,280 tickets
instead of 2,454.

It turned out the council held a safety advisory group (SAG) meeting in July 2013 to discuss
arrangements for all home games this season.

The SAGs chairman Peter Curry, who works for the councils streetscene services
department said: I opened the discussion with a suggestion that, as a consequence of the
experience Hull City had last time Manchester United visited, I would be placing a restriction
[on the allocation].

The main reasoning behind this was that United fans stood for the duration of the game
and gradually migrated towards the home fans.

The situation grew steadily worse towards the second half and two aisles were completely
blocked and the fans refused to move with chants of we are Man Utd, we do what we
want.

Despite several efforts by stewards and police, who eventually pulled out due to the real
risk of serious disorder, the fans remained in the aisles. This is totally unacceptable and will
not be tolerated by *the council+.

Mr Curry argued that persistent standing was fine so long as the aisles and gangways were
left clear.

He said the SAG was originally going to remove two seats from the end of each row (a total
of 348), but decided to only remove one seat from the end of each row after a match-
specific risk assessment was carried out.

Mr Curry said that United fans behaviour at other grounds last season was a factor in the
reduction.
39

I have made representations to the Sports Ground Safety Authority about the unfairness of
taking into account events that took place in a different place.

He indicated that United fans would get a full allocation next season if the aisles and
gangways were kept clear.

Given that this match was an early kick off on Boxing Day when trains arent running, the
vast majority of fans who went to this game drove or went by coach, drastically reducing the
amount of drinking going on by fans.

As a result, I thought the decision was unfair, but we published this to advise fans
nevertheless.
11


As it happened, there were no issues of note, either before the match in the Walton Club
near the ground or in the ground itself, save for fans gesturing at each other when United
turned around a two-goal deficit to win 3-2.

In fact, there were no United fans ejected or arrested.


We will be asking the council to stick to their word and give us back the extra tickets given
the favourable police report from this game, which you can see below.

11
http://action.joinmust.org/index.php/blog/entry/keep-the-aisles-clear-at-hull-plea/

40

41

Norwich
Premier League
Carrow Road
Saturday December 28, 15:00
2,492 tickets


After the 2012/13 season game, Norfolk Police wrote a very critical (yet ambiguous) report
about the behaviour of United fans at that game.

A lot of it was anecdotal, badly worded and, in parts, bizarre (for example, they said United
fans behaved badly at a pub before the game, while admitting that the landlord was happy
to have the supposed troublemakers back after the game).

The upshot was that police said they would oppose a late kick off and they seemed to be
happy with the kick off for this game and we got the same number of tickets as last season.

Those fans that did have time for a pint mixed well with home fans, police said.


While most fans behaved well, the police said some of them blocked the aisles causing a
safety issue.

Then, at half time, there were a small group of fans stood in a circle in the concourse singing
while two or three people threw bins around.

According to the police report, at least one of them were arrested.

A section of the police report is very welling: Genuine Manchester United supporters
appeared to be disgusted by the behaviour throughout the beer/bin fight.


As Norwich were relegated, we wont be playing them next season and, its probably a good
thing, as the police would have almost certainly pressed for an allocation cut.

42

Police report

The pre match period saw the three travelling coaches arrive in good time all adhering
to the travel directions/instructions from the Norfolk Constabulary football intelligence
office.As expected two other coaches and a number of mini buses attended
unannounced which did not cause any great issues as this had been considered and
planned for from previous experiences.

On arrival in Norwich a large number of the travelling supporters attended the known
away licensed premises The Compleat Angler which was full to capacity very early. The
Prince of Wales public house was utilized as a fall back premises with a large number of
Manchester United supporters attending mixing well with home supporters.

A large number also attended the Glass House which is located on the outskirts of the city
which proved n issues. As always the Riverside premises Bridge Tavern and Queen were
again popular with a good mix of both home and away support enjoying the
facilities.

At approximately 14.35 large numbers of Man Utd supporters started to leave the
Compleat Angler and although very vociferous and excitable made their way to the
stadium loosely escorted with no issues.

The Norwich City risk group attended ROCCO'S which is located between The
Compleat Angler and The Prince of Wales and were present in numbers of 80+ which
was equivalent to what i would expect for a local derby fixture. Despite their large
numbers they remained in the premises until 10 minutes before kickoff at which point
they made their way to the stadium with no issues.

Three section 27 notices issued outside of away turnstiles details for alcohol related anti
social behavior. No issues reported from any licensed premises throughout the pre
match period.

In relation to the corresponding fixture last season which was a 17.30 kick off the general
behavior of the visiting supporters was much improved in all aspects.
During Match the Silver Commander deployed serials inside the stadium prior to the
arrival of the visiting supporters to avoid a repeat of walk ways / steps being blocked in
the visitors section. This proved to be initially effective until the bulk of visiting
supporters arrived inside stadia and blocked the walk ways/ steps of vomitories G and
H. Numerous requests by both stewards and police officers to a minority of the travelling
to move off of the walk ways / steps were ignored which once again caused both safety
and movement issues for both stewards and police officers.

One home supporter was ejected from the Lower Barclay. This was as a result of an
incident at a previous fixture for which he was then given a club ban until the end of the
current season.

During the half time interval a number of stewards withdrew from the visitors concourse
43

of Block G in the Jarrold Stand due to beer fight that had developed amongst
approximately 100+ Manchester United supporters. The beer fight then turned into the
throwing of metal bin liners in that area resulting in the stewards withdrawal from that
area and a nasty head injury to a Manchester United supporter, paramedics were
deployed to treat the victim.

Police spotters deployed to the area where anti social, drunken and disorderly behavior was
witnessed with bin liners deliberately being thrown at the ceiling lighting in attempts to
damage the lights, complimentary condiments being thrown around and sauce bottles being
squirted onto the floor.

A supporter was also seen to climb up onto a metal shelving unit which again caused concerns
regarding safety. A result of the beer fight and the bins being emptied on to the floor puddles of liquid
and rubbish caused further hazards within that area.

Due to the numbers initially involved the Silver Commander and safety officer took the decision to let the
situation disperse with no steward or police intervention. A few minutes into the second half the beer
fight finished and the remaining drunken males involved in the incident exited Block G concourse
pushing through a side door and attempted to get into Block H which was already full to capacity with
blocked stairwells.

As a result of this the males returned to the concourse of H where two males who had been identified by
spotters as being actively involved in the incident were detained and arrested. One of the males then
made attempts to free himself from police custody resulting in force being used to detain the male.

The second male was covered from head to foot in his own vomit due to intoxication. During the course
of the second half walkways and steps remained blocked by standing travelling supporters who made no
attempt to assist the stewards in clearing those areas. Towards the end of the second half mounted
officers reported a male detained outside the stadium for attempting to pull an officer from his police
horse this male was subsequently arrested for assault on police.

This male had not attended the match and was not a football supporter of either club. During the post
match egress from the stadium mounted officers also reported that a male had been detained for
possession of a knife having been involved in an altercation with a male outside, this male was arrested
for possession of a bladed article.

Both sets of supporters quickly dispersed the stadium a large number travelling supporters returning to
the Compleat Angler and the Norwich City Risk Group returning to Rocco's. During the post match period
a Section 27 notice was issued to a home risk group member. No further incidents reported.

The behavior of the travelling Manchester United supporters during the pre match period was a definite
improvement on last seasons fixture in my opinion due to the earlier kick off. The behavior of a minority
during the match inside stadia was once again unacceptable, anti social, dangerous and pre planned.

The incident at half time not only put stewards and police officers at risk of harm but also genuine
Manchester United supporters who appeared themselves to be disgusted by the behavior throughout
the beer/bin fight.
44

It is clear from the CCTV footage and social media postings highlighting the behavior of these supporters
at half time that it was a miracle that nobody was more seriously injured. The blocking of the walkways
and steps in itself could have had serious consequences had an incident occurred within those areas.

The behavior of Manchester United supporters inside stadia was similar to that seen last season.

45

Sunderland
Premier League
Stadium of Light
Tuesday December 7, 19:45
5,000 tickets.


Very soon after the draw was made on December 19, Sunderland began discussions with
United about the allocation and, by the following day, had agreed an allocation of 5,000
tickets.

As we have experienced in previous games, Sunderlands safety manager Paul Weir was very
helpful in his pre-match discussion, explaining which bits of the away end would and would
not be sold and why.

Given previous issues we have had with Sunderland, 5,000 was a decent allocation and,
though you could argue it could have been 2,350 more, it is questionable how many of
those extra tickets we could have sold anyway.


The main issue of the night was someone in the United end lighting a flare and throwing it
into the home end below.

It could have easily hit someone and caused serious injury and incidents like this are
impossible to excuse when speaking to police/clubs/councils.

There was also a smoke grenade and Sunderland officials said they saw: spitting and coin
throwing (and) some damage in the concourse bars.

They also had difficulty in keeping some aisles clear, but nothing that was unexpected.

Post-match

In recent years, there has been a school of thought that has developed about our fan base,
that the type of fan going to cup away games is different to that going to league away
games.

This is probably because a) cup allocations are always higher, b) kick off times are often later
and c), as a result of a) some fans, who dont get tickets for many away games overindulge
at cup away games.

Examples of recent away cup games where behaviour of our fans have lead to either
allocation cuts or warnings include Barnsley, Chelsea, Manchester City and Stoke in the
League Cup and Liverpool and West Ham in the FA Cup.

46

Fortunately, Sunderlands safety manager is one of those who understands this difference
and takes the view that allocation cuts as a result of poor behaviour in the cup should only
be applied to future cup games, as the dynamics are different for league games.

That is the case in this instance and, thankfully, the incidents highlighted above and in the
police report below have not resulted in an allocation fall for the 2014/15 league game.

Police report

47

48

Chelsea
Premier League
Stamford Bridge
Sunday January 19, 2014, 16:00


None


None


As always, I will check with Chelsea that they plan to give us a full allocation again this year.

49

Stoke City
Premier League
Britannia Stadium
Saturday February 1, 15:00
2,496 tickets


Before reading this section, it is a good idea to read the section related to the League Cup
game in December.

The day after the League Cup game, I emailed Stokes stadium safety manager Ravi Sharma
to find out if the incidents at that match particularly the flare being set off would affect
our league allocation.

Mr Sharma replied in the New Year saying a polite but firm way that the allocation would be
published through United.

Four days later, we discovered that we had been docked 271 tickets.

I asked Mr Sharma why and he ignored several emails, as did several of his colleagues.

After expressing disappointment to Mr Sharma, I asked for the help of the Football
Supporters Federation, who tried to mediate, but their conversations with Stoke proved
fruitless, despite the FSFs best efforts.

I later discovered that Stoke had written a very candid account of the away end at the
League Cup game, but deliberately chose not to share it with us.

I also checked with Stoke-on-Trent Council to check if its safety advisory group had had any
involvement in reducing the league game allocation, and it had not, meaning Stoke, to all
intents and purposes, taken a unilateral decision against Premier League rules.

In the end, I, on behalf of MUSTs committee, complained to the Premier League about the
disappointing lack of communication from Stoke.


None


We play Stoke in January and will once again try to work with them to deal with safety
issues for this seasons league game and, given the lack of issues at this game, we are
confident of a full allocation.

50

Arsenal
Premier League
The Emirates Stadium
Wednesday February 12, 19:45
None
None
None

51

Police report

52

Crystal Palace
Premier League
Selhurst Park
Saturday February 22, 17:30
There was no reason to suspect there would be any issues that would lead to an allocation
drop, but I was wary that this was the first time United had played at Palace since the
infamous Cantona kung fu kick incident.
Some reds said they would turn up wearing Cantona masks and, strangely, Palace
announced before the match that they would ban anyone wearing them from entering the
ground as it would allow people to obscure their face from the view of the CCTV cameras.
Despite much media hype on the issue, nothing much came of it: People wore masks but
were not (generally speaking) challenged.
None relating to United fans, though the police report references the behaviour of a very
small minority of Palace fans.
None
Police report

53

54

West Bromwich Albion
Premier League
Saturday March 8, 2014, 12:45
2,491 tickets
Last seasons game was Sir Alex Fergusons last ever United game and the last day of the
season.
Its fair to say that reds behaved a little more exuberantly than in other games and,
thankfully, West Brom stadium safely bosses acknowledged this point and decided to give
us a full allocation for this fixture.
None
None
Police report as yet unavailable

55

West Ham United
Premier League
Upton Park
Saturday March 22, 17:30

For the 2011/12 game, Newham Councul reduced our allocation to 1,928 tickets claiming
our fans blocked aisles and overcrowded the concourse.

Before the 2012/13 game, MUST asked United to hand out letters at the turnstile to fans
urging them to keep the aisles clear and were pleased that there was no blocking of aisles
as noted in the post-match police report from that game.
The report said: Manchester United fans...did not block the aisles and caused no real
issues. This was one of the quietest Manchester United fixtures in the past few years.
This was a great example of a fans group working with a local council to achieve improved
safety.
Of course, the fans group do it partially to get a reward, and we were expecting the council
to give us a reward in the form of more tickets.
So it came as a surprise when they actually gave us the same amount as previous years
and the reasons were bizarre and nonsensical.
At this point, I should say that we knew the council-run safety advisory group (SAG) met on
January 23 to decide what the allocation would be and, in the days afterwards, I emailed the
SAGs deputy chairman Sheila Roberts to find out what the outcome was. She wouldnt tell
me.
She claimed the final figure had not been determined (though the meeting minutes clearly
stated: It was agreed the allocation would remain at 2,000) and suggested I make an FOI
request for the minutes
12
.
I replied to express my concern that Newham Council refuses to publish SAG meeting
minutes, unlike neighbouring authorities
13
.

12
http://www.scribd.com/doc/232322388/West-Ham-United-SAG-minutes

13
https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/Directory/Business/Health_and_safety/Health_and_safety_at_work_-
_advice_and_training/154348_Safety_in_sports_grounds.asp

56

I also emailed West Hams chief operating officer Ben Illingworth to ask what the allocation
was and he did not reply.
(This was not a surprise: For the 2012/13 season game, I tried in vain to get similar
information from representatives of three council departments, three other organisations
whose representatives attended the SAG meeting and even the boroughs mayor).
It is a tremendously frustrating process especially when MUST has proved conclusively
that engaging with fan groups work.
But I am sad to say things got even worse.
After asking for the SAG meeting minutes under FOI, Newham Council did not respond
within the 20-working-day legal limit (this is important because, the sooner the documents
come through, the sooner we can find out what the safety problems that caused the
reductions are and try to implement solutions to ensure we get more tickets next time).
In the end, the minutes came through on March 10.
A side issue, albeit an important one, is that the council decided to redact the names of the
people who attended, while revealing the organisations they represent.
I asked for an internal review into this decision and the council still refused to reveal the
names of those at the meeting.
I have since formally complained to the Information Commissioners Office and a formal
case is underway. The ICO will soon decide whether the council must publish the names of
all those at the meeting or, at least, the names of those who represent publicly funded
organisations.
My view is that, when a meeting is funded by taxpayers and taxpayer funded staff go to it
and record the minutes, taxpayers have a right to see who was representing their interests.
Clearly, it is impossible for us to know who said what at the meeting without knowing who
was there.
I have also made a formal complaint to the Premier League about Newham Councils
approach to this issue, bearing in mind that, after I encountered same problems last season,
a Newham Council officer wrote to me and said: I am sure we would want to improve
relationships with representatives from all supporters' organisations and I am sure that they
will take away some learning from your request and how it was handled.
Anyway, onto the minutes themselves. This is where it gets odd.
There were two reasons why we did not get more tickets than the previous season.
57

The first reason is that those at the meeting believed the 2013/14 match was starting later
than the 2012/13 match and therefore there was greater risk of trouble.
But, in actual fact, the 2013/14 match started at 19:45 two hours and 15 minutes later in
the day than the 2014/15 match.
The minutes say: At the last match, a reduced capacity of away fans of 2,030 was agreed,
although seat configuration issues resulted in a final figure of 1,992 in total. This was for a
12.30 kick off.
A Met Police representative added: It was agreed the match risk category would be
increased from Cat B to Cat C due to the increased opportunity for alcohol consumption by
fans.
14

So the people at the meeting cannot even tell the time, it seems.
And, despite writing in the 2012/13 match report that it was the quietest West Ham v
United fixture in years, the police held the initial view that opposed the change of time to
the fixture due to intelligence and historical evidence.
Either the Met Polices verdict that the 2013/14 match was quiet is incorrect, or their
assessment that there was (applicable) historical evidence to warrant increasing their
perception of the risk of safety problems is incorrect. It cannot be both.
The second reason was because Norwich and Newcastle fans misbehaved at Upton Park
earlier on in the season so the view was perhaps United fans will too.
This is the first time I have ever come across a situation where Club X are effectively docked
tickets because of the actions of fans of Club Y and Club Z.
In such a situation, there is nothing MUST or other fans groups can do to prevent this.
In summary, all the problems above are deeply concerning and I hope the Premier League
can intervene to ensure we do not have to go through the same calamity again next season.
As the Met Police said in their report, there was no blocking of the aisles and there is no
reference to any other problem.

14
Another point of interest is that the match risk category is supposed to be based on the risk of disorder, not
the availability of alcohol to fans. There appears to be little in the polices report to link alcohol availability to
bad behaviour, with perhaps the exception of the beer-throwing incident.
58

I sincerely hope that this good behaviour documented in black and white by the police
will get us more tickets for season 2014/15. We deserve it after being over backwards to
deal with various authorities despite their flagrant and consistent resistance.
But I do not take it for granted, as we have been in a situation before where the Met Police
have suggested there are no problems one day and that there are problems the next.

Police report

59

Bayern Munich
UEFA Champions League quarter finals, second leg
Allianz Arena
Wednesday April 9, 19:45
3,500 tickets
None
None
None

60

Police report

61

Newcastle United
Premier League
St Jamess Park
Saturday April 5, 15:00
At the previous seasons match, a flare was lit in the away end so there was a risk of our
allocation being cut. However, Newcastle officials were happy for it to remain high.
Two turnstiles were not enough. There should have been four from the start.
Fans arriving close to kick off was always going to happen with Manchester Citys match
finishing on TV not long before kick off.
It is pleasing that there is no report of aisles being blocked.
I will check with Newcastle again if we are in line for another maximum allocation next
season.

62

Police report
Attendance: Home 49,267 Away 2,814
Arrests: Home 1 Away 11

Pre match: Large number of Man Utd supporters drank in one licensed premises and
behaved in an anti social manner.

One licensed premises refused entry to Man Utd supporters.

Both sets of supporters appeared to mix well in other licensed premises.

Large groups of boisterous Man Utd supporters chanting en route to the ground which
attracted the attention of the home supporters.

On seeing police, the group split into smaller groups and made their way to the ground
without incident.

A Man Utd supporter was seen discarding a snooker ball but could not be detained when he
was lost in the crowd.

There was a problem at the turnstiles when Man Utd supporters arrived en masse
approximately 20 minutes before kick off.

Initially, only 2 turnstiles were open which was increased to 4. However, 2 were closed for a
short time to protect stewards being crushed by supporters when they were attempting to
search them prior to entry.

When the turnstiles reopened, stewards conducted their searches inside the ground. Large
number of Man Utd supporters were drunk, with one trying to smuggle in alcohol in a rolled
up flag.

The Mike Ashley Out Campaign (MAOC) staged an open top bus parade around the city
called 'The Magical Misery Tour'. This was an ironic celebration of Mike Ashley's
achievements at Newcastle. The bus tour called no issues.

During match: Man Utd supporters stood throughout. They did not respond well to requests
from stewards and police. There were a number of arrests for possessing alcohol.

At half time, Man Utd supporters had a 'beer fight'. A number of Man Utd supporters were
ejected from home areas (East Stand) following complaints from
63

NUFC supporters.

Plastic beer bottles were thrown from the back of the away section when the second goal
went in but they did not reach the balcony and the NUFC
supporters below.

NUFC supporters very quiet throughout following yet another hapless display.

After match: Large group of 80 Man United fans left the ground together and headed down
Barrack Road, singing and chanting.

This seemed to gather momentum and Newcastle fans became hostile towards them.

The group then dispersed with some heading along The Boulevard and other towards
Stowell Street.

The group then gathered momentum again, increasing in numbers to approximately 60.
They paraded down Newgate Street chanting and singing, causing an NUFC opposition
group to form on the opposite pavement.

Near the Rose and Crown, the fans were beginning to migrate into the middle of the road
between motor vehicles stationary at the lights.

They had to be encouraged to remain separate by spotters to prevent disorder. 2 - 3 Man
United fans were observed with minor facial injuries, however, no
complaints were made.

Large amounts (60) of Man United fans continued to drink in one licensed premises.

After the match had stood down, there was an arrest of a NUFC supporter outside this bar
for attempting to punch a Man Utd supporter in front
of police.

64

Everton
Premier League
Goodison Park
Sunday April 20, 16:10
2,850 tickets
On July 23, 2012, Liverpool Councils licensing committee met and voted in favour of a
report
15
which recommended putting restrictions on Uniteds allocation at all matches at
Anfield and Goodison Park.

It is worth noting that, like most councils, they were not instructing the relevant host club to
set a given allocation, but were merely instructing the club to not sell certain seats in order
to ensure the stadium abided by the terms of the safety certificate issued by the council.

One aspect of the decision was that the decision did not need to be revisited annually
unless the council or the clubs specifically asked for a review.

In the case of Everton, this meant about 80 seats near an exit in the upper tier are not sold.

We cannot challenge this until we have shown conclusively that the aisles in this area are
not blocked.


Sadly, there was evidence of fans blocking this area.


None

15
http://councillors.liverpool.gov.uk/documents/s100519/standing.pdf
65

66

67

68

Southampton
Premier League
St Marys
Sunday May 11, 15:00
2,959 tickets
None


None


None

Police report

69

Other issues

Next seasons opponents

Burnley

Turf Moor holds 21,940 people so we could get 2,194 tickets (or whatever 10 per cent of the
official capacity is deemed.

I have already had assurances from Burnleys stadium safety manager that United will get
the full capacity, so long as Lancashire County Council do not express any reservations.

At the time of writing, the date and time has not been confirmed and this may have an
effect on the match categorisation and, therefore, the allocation

Leicester

The King Power Stadium holds 32,262 people so we should get a 3,000 allocation. There is
no reason to think otherwise.

I will get in touch with Leicester to confirm this once the date and time of the match has
been confirmed.

QPR

Last time we played there in 2012/13, we got 3,081 tickets and there is nothing in the police
report from that match to suggest any reason why the allocation would be cut.

70

Away ticket distribution

There was much speculation throughout the season over Uniteds proposed shake up to the
system.

At present, away tickets are divided into four categories:

1. Players/complimentary/staff/officials
2. Loyalty pot (LP)
3. Executive members (EM)
4. Standard pot (SP)

United have already taken steps to make sure that pot 1 is minimised and that the tickets
used by those for who they were intended.

The club acknowledges that some of those in pot 2 are no longer alive or going to games
and believe this is unfair.

In the new year, some LP holders got a letter to ask them to attend the ticket office at a
particular game to prove they are still alive and going to games.

This was very controversial to some fans who believe that it is okay to use LP tickets not in
their name because, they argue, this system ensures the right fans go to away games.

However, other fans believe it is unfair as it limits the number of tickets available to those in
pot 4 and, in particularly, those who narrowly missed out on getting in the LP believe it is
unfair.

There was speculation that all LP members who go tickets to the final away game of the
season would have to collect their tickets at the turnstile, but this did not happen. But it
may happen in future.

The change is aimed at freeing up LP places, though how they will be redistributed remains
to be seen.

The club could either
a) Substitute those who leave the LP with new LP members (though the formula for
new membership would be controversial).
b) Simply redistribute the tickets to the SP
c) Crease a fifth pot which would effectively be a gold pot which would give members
more chance of getting away tickets than SP but a lower chance than LP (again, the
formula would be controversial).

How things change remains to be seen.

71

Football Supporters Federations view

The FSF congratulates and applauds this report and the ongoing efforts it has taken to
compile it.

We very much hope that this is recognised by all the games stakeholders as being a prime
example of a supporters organisation working hard to be seen as part of the solution and
not the problem.

We also hope that this is viewed by all concerned as positive steps towards transparency
and mutually beneficial and meaningful dialogue to improve the match day experience for
all.

Reds Away End of Season Report 2013/14

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