WHUST attended this stakeholder conference held at the National Football Museum in Manchester, on Monday 25th July 2022. The day was aimed at promoting discussion whilst enabling supporters to speak to a range of those involved, as the key stakeholders.

There were representatives from the Sports Ground Safety Authority (SGSA), Football Supporters Association (FSA), Premier League, English Football League representatives, the Police, and those that advise government on a range of football related issues including the law and how it relates to football.

The day opened with Professor Geoff Pearson outlining recent developments and the current state of play in football crowd behaviour and management. Key points included:

Caution around the uptick in disorder as arrest statistics may be reflective of the levels of police resources.
The impact on football communities from the turnover of fans as regular long-term fans are not returning in large number, while there has been an influx of younger fans.
The fact that the safety and stewarding industry is “on its knees” and this is exacerbating issues with crowd management.
The importance of police building trust, negotiating, and using dialogue with supporters is seen as central for how police manage football crowds.
The new proposed British Bill of Rights.
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act has given police the power to respond where to those making a noise along with acting in a way that causing annoyance to others. In relation to football crowds this could present a challenge to how supporters behave and does not reflect football culture. WHUST will research this Act looking at implications for us on attending games.
The central nature of clubs speaking to their supporter representatives was stated as critical within the management of crowds whilst enabling the best experience possible at the games.

This was followed by a discussion around what is driving changes in fan behaviour: the role of communication via a range of channels/social media outlets, the type of messaging, the impact of drink and drugs, and the role of educational programmes, involvement of supporter representatives by their clubs, impact of lockdowns and return to football linked to influx of younger supporters explored. The role of stewards and the standard of stewarding was discussed in detail.

WHUST asked if there would be a comprehensive national training programme for stewards in order to improve standards and the role supporter groups would play in this? The Premier League/English Football League is developing a national training programme for stewards with a view to improving standards across the board. WHUST will speak to West Ham United regarding this training, looking for information on what it will entail, when it will start, the role of stewards at the London Stadium, the consistency of personnel, and how WHUST can participate in their training to provide supporter perspective. We will monitor how this develops closely.

The next discussion was centered around policing, criminal justice and banning orders. The veracity of the data used when discussing banning orders was questioned. There was a concern that the statistics may be flawed and that a rigorous national database is needed. Football banning orders were originally for ringleaders where there was violence, but their use has developed over the years. The point that Ts and Cs for the sale of football tickets are different from all other ticketing sales is interesting as it links into the management of football crowds and the use of sanctions. Professor Stott, who has studied disorder at football games since 1989, explained the difficulty of having a national solution and instead proposed targeted local solutions including dialogue with supporter representatives. The narrative around policing and the increase in criminalising football supporters was explored with supporter trust and confidence seen as integral to progress. The Dedicated Football Officers, PC Andy Sheldon at West Ham United, are all receiving training from the National Dedicated Football Officer around de-escalation and restorative practices.

WHUST asked how the policing of football supporters would be affected by the decision to place the Metropolitan Police in special measures. We also asked about how the new Drugs Bill and the new Police, Crime, Justice and Sentencing Bill would affect the policing of football supporters? Professor Stott felt it was too early to respond yet but it would need careful monitoring. WHUST will be watching how this impacts supporters as we attend games.

Following this there was a look at fan messaging and communications. It was agreed how we view our game linked to how we are viewed by our clubs. The police and those that manage crowds would benefit from being more aligned. Messaging media needs to be trusted with those fans admire, particularly harder to reach supporters and younger fans. It was agreed there is a balance to be struck with messaging and care must be taken not to give the impression there is a problem with football. WHUST is currently working on a communication and media strategy to improve how we communicate with supporters. This discussion ended with a quote from Sir Bobby Robson, which clearly shows why we must get communication and messaging right:

"It's the noise, the passion, the feeling of belonging, the pride in your city. "It's a small boy {girl} clambering up stadium steps for the very first time, gripping his {her} father's hand, gawping at that hallowed stretch of turf beneath him {her} and, without being able to do a thing about it, falling in love."

And with that supporters are made.

The day ended with us discussing Safety and the role of Safety Advisory Groups (SAGs); Independent advisory Groups (IAG), and the role of Supporter Liaison Officers (SLOs). The discussion opened with a point made that all too often match going fans are seen as part of the problem not part of the solution, which is a point WHUST continues to make. The SGSA believes supporter representatives should have a place at SAGs as they can add a unique perspective and present the views of one of the key stakeholders. It was pointed out SAGs make recommendations not decisions however supporter voice is important in the discussions. SAGs can catch issues early and address them. IAGs also provide an important route for meaningful dialogue with the Police around policing of supporters. It was agreed that supporter representatives meeting with their club and the club’s safety officer is critical in managing crowds.

WHUST asked for confirmation that the SGSA is in favour of supporter representatives having a place on SAGs. The SGSA representative is in favour and will follow up regarding representation on Newham SAG.

WHUST currently attends the Metropolitan Police Independent Advisory Group for Football. It will continue to do so providing feedback to our members and the wider fanbase.

The day was very informative and thought provoking with a lot to take away and for WHUST to follow up on for our members and all West Ham United supporters.

Disorder at Football Matches Post Pandemic