Udders game moved for Sky

On the proposed boycott..the team celebrating a goal in front of a totally empty stand live on sky would make a small but funny point.

 

I am sure Tigerphil off Tiger Chat will not mind if I copy and paste a letter he wrote to West Yorkshire Police in 2005 regarding the fixture at Elland Road.. He is proposing that everyone use this template to complain about our proposed treatment at Huddersfield. If you remember on this occasion the police backed down in the end.

Re: Leeds United –V- Hull City, 31.12/05

Dear Sirs, I am writing to you regarding the planned policing of the above football match.

It would appear that West Yorkshire Police (WYP) are proposing to force fans of Hull City FC to purchase vouchers to the above game which will prevent them from being freely able to travel and buy tickets to this game in a manner of their free choosing, and in unreasonably limited numbers.

Fans MUST purchase a travel voucher for ‘official’ coaches only, and will not be permitted to receive a match ticket, until reaching the ground and then only under the supervision of an officer! Fans will be searched when getting on and off the coaches, and will suffer the extreme indignity and embarrassment of a full police escort when on the coaches. On arrival at Elland Road they will then be marched immidiately through the turnstiles, without freedom of movement.

The huge majority of travelling fans, are not, and demand, to not be treated like criminals or hooligans in any way. They have the right to travel however and wherever they wish, as free citizens, and they have the right to freely purchase a match ticket to watch their team as hundreds of thousands of fans do up and down the country every week, without the humiliation of being treated like common criminals.


I ask that you consider the following as this sort of behaviour by the police is inflammatory, unlawful and in breach of my Civil Liberties and I request that my complaint is handled formally.


Breach of Civil Liberties:

In this country, my civil liberties are protected inter alia by the Human Rights Act (HRA). Freedom of assembly and association is enshrined in Article 11 of the HRA.

Preventing some individuals and groups from assembling to watch a football match, by imposing restrictions on how they are allowed to travel is a breach of Article 11.




A small number of individuals may seem to be not affected, for instance, those who regularly use ‘Tiger Travel’ to get to away games, however they will not be able to stop off as when they please en route, for toilet / refreshment breaks and will not be permitted to move freely, and meet socially with fellow fans and friends when arriving at Elland Road, in breach of Article 11.

Moreover, others, particularly disabled and infirm people who are unable to get on and off buses and coaches easily, will be precluded from attending at all. For instance, if I am a wheelchair user and drive or am driven to away games, the requirement to travel by coach appears to breach Article 11. There is simply no way that I could assemble with my fellow fans to support my team.

Others could be so inconvenienced by the requirement to travel by coach that they would be unable to attend. For instance, if I live in London - and many City fans do – I myself live and work within 5 miles of Elland Road, and this would mean travelling to Hull on new years eve morning to travel under these proposal to Leeds and then after the game travel back to Hull for me to travel back to within 5 miles of Elland Road.I may not be able to catch a train to Hull on New Years Eve, which would arrive in time for me to catch the coach to Leeds. I should be allowed to drive the 5 mile to the ground and obtain entrance without hinderance. Consequently I could argue that my right under Article 11, to freedom of assembly has been breached.

Others who will be working on the morning of 31st December, or who must go to work in the afternoon, and so can only get to the game by using private transport, will be similarly affected by the requirement to travel by coach, and their right to freedom of assembly similarly infringed.


Legality:

I believe the legality of the WYP decision is a separate issue, because in certain circumstances it is not unlawful to interfere with the rights of an individual or individuals.

There are three issues to consider.

Where an individual’s rights are breached The Rule of Law must apply. That means that there must be some legal basis for the breach.

There must also be a legitimate aim by the body causing the breach, eg public safety, protection of health, national security.

Finally, the breach must be proportional. This means that the action taken must not be excessive and must be a fair balance between the individual’s rights and the general interests of the state.





To summarise on the question of legality, it can be argued that WYP are applying the rule of law as the police do have certain powers in specific circumstances to take steps to prevent a breach of the peace.

It can also be argued that there may be a legitimate aim, ie to prevent a breach of the peace.

The aim would not be legitimate if it is to reduce or minimise the cost of policing the match, which many fans believe is one such reason, given the cost of policing on bank holidays.

It would also appear to breach the Law given that some fans might purchase tickets in the ‘home’ stands of Elland Road since Hull City FC and its fans are so disgusted by this draconian measure that they are considering refusing all ‘away’ tickets, which would surely be of huge shame to the West Yorkshire Police, as this suggests that they are unwilling or unable to meet their duties in a proper fashion. Clearly then this must also be a breach, as it causes huge risk to public safety, protection of health and national security, if groups of Hull City fans are in the Home ends.

However, whether the police action is proportional, is much less than clear. IT IS NOT proportional to prevent several thousand people assembling to support their team honestly and openly, on the basis that a small minority might cause trouble. This point is especially pertinent given the excellent behaviour of Hull City fans at Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City recently, games which were very sensibly policed.


I understand that the Chief Constable has vicarious liability for the actions of his officers and the Police Authority has a statutory responsibility to investigate this complaint that:
The Chief Constable, has breached my Right to Assembly under Article 11 of the Human Rights Act, by imposing conditions on me as an individual which CANNOT be PROVEN to be proportional in any way.

On the subject of proof, I believe that arrest rates around football matches, as specific statistics cannot be taken into consideration, since the details suggest that every person arrested has been tried and convicted. Only conviction rates for Hull City fans at away games can be a legitimate figure given in evidence for legitimising the breach of my Rights under Article 11. I suspect the figure is exceptionally low indeed, and therefore, WYP have NO right to enforce this unlawful action against me.

I wish to also specifically complain to the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, and complain about the action taken by the officer whose decision was to impose restrictions on me, on the same basis as above. I do not need to know the name of the officer but I understand that the complaint must be investigated properly and thoroughly.

Also, under the Freedom of Information Act, please accept this complaint as a request to the Freedom of Information Manager, I wish to be informed of the following:

• The reason for the travel restrictions being imposed, and
• ANY other existing information relating to the costs of policing the recent Leeds v Millwall and/or Leeds v Hull City matches this season, which MIGHT show or suggest that cost is potentially a factor in imposing these restrictions.



There is of course a statutory obligation to provide this information - within 20 days in this case.



Sirs, this letter of complaints and requests is being sent to the Departments listed overleaf in identical format. I politely request that each addressee of this letter comply with the above, as soon as possible.

Kind Regards

 

What about a big screen at the KC - nominal charge, or free?

 

I am sure Tigerphil off Tiger Chat will not mind if I copy and paste a letter he wrote to West Yorkshire Police in 2005 regarding the fixture at Elland Road.. He is proposing that everyone use this template to complain about our proposed treatment at Huddersfield. If you remember on this occasion the police backed down in the end.

Re: Leeds United –V- Hull City, 31.12/05

Dear Sirs, I am writing to you regarding the planned policing of the above football match.

It would appear that West Yorkshire Police (WYP) are proposing to force fans of Hull City FC to purchase vouchers to the above game which will prevent them from being freely able to travel and buy tickets to this game in a manner of their free choosing, and in unreasonably limited numbers.

Fans MUST purchase a travel voucher for ‘official’ coaches only, and will not be permitted to receive a match ticket, until reaching the ground and then only under the supervision of an officer! Fans will be searched when getting on and off the coaches, and will suffer the extreme indignity and embarrassment of a full police escort when on the coaches. On arrival at Elland Road they will then be marched immidiately through the turnstiles, without freedom of movement.

The huge majority of travelling fans, are not, and demand, to not be treated like criminals or hooligans in any way. They have the right to travel however and wherever they wish, as free citizens, and they have the right to freely purchase a match ticket to watch their team as hundreds of thousands of fans do up and down the country every week, without the humiliation of being treated like common criminals.


I ask that you consider the following as this sort of behaviour by the police is inflammatory, unlawful and in breach of my Civil Liberties and I request that my complaint is handled formally.


Breach of Civil Liberties:

In this country, my civil liberties are protected inter alia by the Human Rights Act (HRA). Freedom of assembly and association is enshrined in Article 11 of the HRA.

Preventing some individuals and groups from assembling to watch a football match, by imposing restrictions on how they are allowed to travel is a breach of Article 11.




A small number of individuals may seem to be not affected, for instance, those who regularly use ‘Tiger Travel’ to get to away games, however they will not be able to stop off as when they please en route, for toilet / refreshment breaks and will not be permitted to move freely, and meet socially with fellow fans and friends when arriving at Elland Road, in breach of Article 11.

Moreover, others, particularly disabled and infirm people who are unable to get on and off buses and coaches easily, will be precluded from attending at all. For instance, if I am a wheelchair user and drive or am driven to away games, the requirement to travel by coach appears to breach Article 11. There is simply no way that I could assemble with my fellow fans to support my team.

Others could be so inconvenienced by the requirement to travel by coach that they would be unable to attend. For instance, if I live in London - and many City fans do – I myself live and work within 5 miles of Elland Road, and this would mean travelling to Hull on new years eve morning to travel under these proposal to Leeds and then after the game travel back to Hull for me to travel back to within 5 miles of Elland Road.I may not be able to catch a train to Hull on New Years Eve, which would arrive in time for me to catch the coach to Leeds. I should be allowed to drive the 5 mile to the ground and obtain entrance without hinderance. Consequently I could argue that my right under Article 11, to freedom of assembly has been breached.

Others who will be working on the morning of 31st December, or who must go to work in the afternoon, and so can only get to the game by using private transport, will be similarly affected by the requirement to travel by coach, and their right to freedom of assembly similarly infringed.


Legality:

I believe the legality of the WYP decision is a separate issue, because in certain circumstances it is not unlawful to interfere with the rights of an individual or individuals.

There are three issues to consider.

Where an individual’s rights are breached The Rule of Law must apply. That means that there must be some legal basis for the breach.

There must also be a legitimate aim by the body causing the breach, eg public safety, protection of health, national security.

Finally, the breach must be proportional. This means that the action taken must not be excessive and must be a fair balance between the individual’s rights and the general interests of the state.





To summarise on the question of legality, it can be argued that WYP are applying the rule of law as the police do have certain powers in specific circumstances to take steps to prevent a breach of the peace.

It can also be argued that there may be a legitimate aim, ie to prevent a breach of the peace.

The aim would not be legitimate if it is to reduce or minimise the cost of policing the match, which many fans believe is one such reason, given the cost of policing on bank holidays.

It would also appear to breach the Law given that some fans might purchase tickets in the ‘home’ stands of Elland Road since Hull City FC and its fans are so disgusted by this draconian measure that they are considering refusing all ‘away’ tickets, which would surely be of huge shame to the West Yorkshire Police, as this suggests that they are unwilling or unable to meet their duties in a proper fashion. Clearly then this must also be a breach, as it causes huge risk to public safety, protection of health and national security, if groups of Hull City fans are in the Home ends.

However, whether the police action is proportional, is much less than clear. IT IS NOT proportional to prevent several thousand people assembling to support their team honestly and openly, on the basis that a small minority might cause trouble. This point is especially pertinent given the excellent behaviour of Hull City fans at Sheffield Wednesday and Bradford City recently, games which were very sensibly policed.


I understand that the Chief Constable has vicarious liability for the actions of his officers and the Police Authority has a statutory responsibility to investigate this complaint that:
The Chief Constable, has breached my Right to Assembly under Article 11 of the Human Rights Act, by imposing conditions on me as an individual which CANNOT be PROVEN to be proportional in any way.

On the subject of proof, I believe that arrest rates around football matches, as specific statistics cannot be taken into consideration, since the details suggest that every person arrested has been tried and convicted. Only conviction rates for Hull City fans at away games can be a legitimate figure given in evidence for legitimising the breach of my Rights under Article 11. I suspect the figure is exceptionally low indeed, and therefore, WYP have NO right to enforce this unlawful action against me.

I wish to also specifically complain to the Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police, and complain about the action taken by the officer whose decision was to impose restrictions on me, on the same basis as above. I do not need to know the name of the officer but I understand that the complaint must be investigated properly and thoroughly.

Also, under the Freedom of Information Act, please accept this complaint as a request to the Freedom of Information Manager, I wish to be informed of the following:

• The reason for the travel restrictions being imposed, and
• ANY other existing information relating to the costs of policing the recent Leeds v Millwall and/or Leeds v Hull City matches this season, which MIGHT show or suggest that cost is potentially a factor in imposing these restrictions.



There is of course a statutory obligation to provide this information - within 20 days in this case.



Sirs, this letter of complaints and requests is being sent to the Departments listed overleaf in identical format. I politely request that each addressee of this letter comply with the above, as soon as possible.

Kind Regards

 

Bloody site. Says theres an error then uploads it twice.

 

Obviously that **** Murdoch.

 

Boycott the game, or don't boycott the game. Rabble rousing and encouraging some of our more "enthusiastic" fans will just justify the WYP decision and make it worse for us in the future.

 

I think you've put it better than anyone else ever could.

 

Quite honestly I am getting sick to the back teeth of fixtures being moved - early kick offs late kick offs - now west Yorkshire plod forcing us to travel by organised coach from hull as they did a few years ago for the Leeds game. Outrageous. I hate Huddersfield anyway and did not enjoy the locals when we got turned over twice there with Peter Taylor's sides. Just made my mind up for me not to go.

 

When is the next televised game?

 

that letter would bore a glass eye to sleep, well before half way.

The freedom of assembley right has naff all to do with this issue, either. Red herring to think about ECHR etc...

Just keep the emails going and get the media interested. They have the clout to ask for interviews and make life uncomfortable for the police. They need to ask the right questions too - like what would you expect a local fan to do?!

And as others have said, it is all or nothing. Club boycott, or utter mess. Nothing in between is an option. I'd prefer not to have a mess.

EDITED: Amanda Jacks has just sent out a generic email reply - not for this board but there are behind the scenes talks going on.

 

Sky are contracted to show Premier League games in that slot most weekends. So they put the football league games in the evening slot.

Next season, Sky lose most their premier league games in the early dinner slot and have gained the evening slot premier league games (which ESPN currently have) so next season, most the Football League games will be dinner time kick offs.

 

Sky are already showing Sunderland Vs Man Utd at that time. They won't programme a match against themselves.

 

Good on the OSC for requesting we sent the tickets back. Time for the club to stand up.

 

God I hate those vile WYP ****s.

I agree that there must be a boycott of the match - but fans should turn up to protest at the behaviour of the WYP twats.

 

This is the article is on the Amber Nectar website:

We are deeply disappointed to hear of West Yorkshire Police’s plans for the Huddersfield Town v Hull City game on March 30th.

This fixture, which had already been brought forward to 12.30pm without good cause, is now to be televised by Sky Sports, with a 5.20pm kick-off. The response of WYP to this is, frankly, abhorrent. A reduced allocation of 1,500 punishes both City fans and Huddersfield, who are losing gate receipts through no fault of their own.

That’s bad enough, but what is truly disgraceful are the plans to force all City supporters to travel on official club coaches. This is completely unacceptable for two reasons: the practice and the principle. What of City fans who live outside of Hull? As an example, the Manchester Tigers could be left with the absurd obligation of travelling east, through Huddersfield and virtually past the stadium, to Hull, only to return again – and then to face repeating the exercise after the game. This places a ludicrous burden in terms of time and cost on people whose only wish is to watch their football team play. And what of the family who want to travel from Hull by train and have a meal and a drink before the game? Again, they miss out. Again, local businesses in Huddersfield miss out.

The principle is arguably even more insidious. What sort of message does it send out about WYP’s view of us? City fans have behaved impeccably this season, yet West Yorkshire Police appear to regard us as nothing but potential hooligans, fit only to have our numbers and movements heavily restricted lest we engage in violence. That is not at all the reality – City fans, like the overwhelming majority of all football fans, are law-abiding citizens who will put up with almost anything in order to cheer on their local side.

But we cannot put up with this. High ticket prices, matches being moved at random, cloying all-seater regulations; the list of minor indignities is seemingly endless, and they’re tolerated with immense patience. However, the vile insinuation that we’re all violent drunken scum who cannot be trusted to watch a football match in the late afternoon without being compulsorily ferried from one part of Yorkshire to another is absolutely not on.

Amber Nectar, City Independent and the Hull City Official Supporters Club have joined together to stand as one over this issue. If West Yorkshire Police will not see sense, we urge the Club to take a stand on our behalf, and refuse to accept an allocation of tickets under these conditions.


I'd say that sums it up perfectly.

 

Agreed.

 

I ****ing hate buses. If its gotta be buses tho, I want not 606 buses, CI buses and AN buses.

CI will be one bus only, lots of alcohol very aggressive calling all the other buses ****ing ****ers/clappers before they get down to some serious ****ing drinking piss/cum. Sticking their cocks in whoever falls a sleeps mouth.

An bus will be completely single males, little eye contact with each other. Few discussions on who is the best Dr Who at best. Most will simply text each other, even tho they're only two seats away.

The rest will be a broad cross section of normal society taken from here.

Though I am prayin OLM and BCC have to sit together.

 

Burnley away Monday 11th March.

 

You should write a book.