Bristol City fans sue West Midlands Police over breach of human rights The 10 fans are claiming false imprisonment and a breach of article five of the European Convention of Human Rights Ten Bristol City fans are suing West Midlands Police for breaching their human rights before a game against Birmingham City in September 2015 in a case that could have wide-reaching implications. The group were among 51 fans who were allegedly surrounded by police whilst walking to St Andrew's, publicly accused of being hooligans by an officer with a megaphone, detained for more than 90 minutes and then returned to New Street station and put on trains back to Bristol. Eight of the 10 complainants were issued with dispersal notices under section 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Disorder Act but all 10 are claiming false imprisonment and a breach of article five of the European Convention of Human Rights. Backed by the Bristol City Supporters Club and Trust, the fans served the particulars of claim last week and the force has until February 22 to accept liability and offer compensation or the case will go to civil court. In a statement released, a West Midlands police spokesperson said: “Court proceedings have been served against the force and we are currently seeking legal advice.” http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/...n-rights-breach-birmingham-city-a8188721.html
I’m sat so firmly on the fence here my arse hurts. My son is training to be a copper now. In my time I have seen both the appalling and the fantastic side of the police. I’ve been treated quite frankly like 5h1t on occasions which has left me both fuming and hurt. On the other hand, when first on the scene at a car accident when a small boy got sadly killed, the young copper who got there was super professional and I was in awe of the way he dealt with the situation. Basically they are human beings and sometimes get things wrong. When you spend a large part of your working Day dealing with people who want to kill you, it’s possibly understandable when they overreact against a group of blokes who are maybe a bit loud and have a drink in them. I hope that the fans concerned get a full apology and compensation for their inconvenience - and maybe offered the chance to witness what a police force goes through for a day. Likewise I hope that the police get offered the chance to attend a City match to see first hand what a polite and nice bunch of gentlemen we really are.
