We have today introduced further measures to enhance fan safety at the Stadium of Light following the recent conduct of a small minority of away supporters. This follows an engagement session with our Supporters’ Groups, who met with the Club last week to discuss and agree upon the next steps taken to address the continually escalating societal behavioural issues currently impacting SAFC and many other Clubs. The new measures will be in place from this weekend’s home fixture versus Cardiff City and they are in addition to the operational changes made in August, which includes the searching of all away fans upon entering the stadium, increasing stewarding capacity in the North Stand and enhancing the CCTV network. Following dialogue with the EFL on Thursday, it is now Club policy that coins and vapes will no longer be permitted in the away section of the North Stand at the Stadium of Light. Any visiting supporter found carrying these items will be asked to discard of them prior to entering the stadium, at which point they will be subjected to enhanced security procedures to further reduce the risk of objects entering the stadium which can be used as missiles. This information will be clearly communicated to all visiting Clubs in advance and all vapes will be sustainably discarded, with any coins confiscated donated to the away Club’s nominated charity. Pre-planned investment in an enhanced lighting system in the North Stand upper will also be fast tracked to further improve the effectiveness of the recently-upgraded CCTV network in identifying any anti-social behaviour. The introduction of netting was also discussed with Supporters’ Groups, but it was agreed that netting by itself would not prevent the full range of missiles that have been thrown this season. We will therefore be launching an engagement programme in November to ensure we work hand-in-hand with supporters to identify the best possible long-term solutions to protect supporters. This will consider all aspects of the stadium configuration, including away fan location and the family zone, and continue to explore the viability of the installation of protective netting.
Unless you take her in N5 there is no chance of anything happening. There is more risk taking her into the city centre.
I understand that, but at three it’s probably enough to hear swearing and be around people drinking, don’t want her to see fights breaking out. She already has audiosensory issues, I don’t want her to go and be frightened, it could put her off for life and that would break my heart. I took her to a Ferriby game a few weeks ago and she loved it, so I want to keep heading in the right direction.
That is maybe how it seems from your front room in Brid. I can tell you with 100% certainty that it isn’t that simple.
I've never seen that film and I never will. Sick ****s. They should've jailed them all just for having such an idea.
No problems when I took my granddaughter to Sheff Utd. Don’t expect any when I take my grandson next month either. I bet you would be terrified going back to the station in case any away fans were hanging about waiting for a train.
Oh, so now it's a 3 year old to blame if they're intimidated by feral behaviour. We should be making kids feel safe at football. Why do you consistently blame everyone else for the behaviour of a few scrotes who evidently can't behave and therefore shouldn't be welcome at football?
This 3 year old hasn’t been to a game. So we don’t know what their reaction would be. Apparently the sight of someone drinking would be upsetting. And noise would upset her. Not making light of it but should only soft drinks be sold(not that I know how the would know who was drinking beer or soft drinks) and talk in whispers? I don’t think anyone sitting far away in West or South Stand or far end of East Stand would be traumatised by a few idiots waving their arms about at some others separated by yards of empty seats and two rows of stewards. Especially a youngster who wouldn’t have a clue about what was going on.
Am thinking of taking my kids to the Boxing Day game but this thread is making me wary, haven't been to a home game in a while - just how kid friendly is it? Is South stand best place to take them?
It is alright unless you are someone frightened of their own shadow. Your kids will be in more danger on the school playground.Good job some of these people didn’t go on Bunkers before they built a fence when 2,000 or more Blunts, Mackems, Smoggies and others were on there with half a dozen coppers trying to keep order.
There's loads of kids in the South Stand and it's fine. They will get to meet Roary & Amber which is very popular. There's face painting, skill booths and free fruit too.
There is absolutely nothing to worry about when taking kids to the games, if your worried about anything just stay away from the north stand. Our ground and match day experience is extremely kid friendly.
Personally I've noticed no difference to my matchday experience in the SE corner, or walking to and from the game. Absolutely no reason no to take your child and it's sad that this even has to be asked
