O/T WYP bubble trip. An update

Sorry to intrude only I recall some on here asking to be kept informed about the protests for the West Yorkshire Police bubble trip for the Huddersfield Town v Hull City game on the Bank Holiday Saturday. I know you get a bit of this yourselves.



In short, despite us having 0 arrests for drunkenness and no real history with Huddersfield, WYP decided to make the game an early kick off for fear of some of us having the temerity to drink beer in pubs.

Unfortunately Huddersfield, having been refused permission by WYP to move the games against you and Leeds for Sky HAD to show our game as an evening kick off or face punishment from the FL.

WYP initially totally refused, but then relented and insisted on a bubble trip from Hull, 1000 tickets and maximum price. An initial protest saw this relented to 1500 tickets and we can make our own way to Hartshead moor Services to get them if we want, but then from there we have to use their bus for which we have to pay extra on top.

We're still protesting. Fans are still going to various places all over West Yorkshire to watch the game in pubs, so if we're really a risk, Police will still need to be deployed, if they're not deployed it proves there was never a risk.

A group of fans marched to the stadium last home game to generate some more media coverage.
A 15 year old fan has had legal aid approved to mount a legal challenge.
A number of local and other MP's are asking questions in the house.
The Football Supporters Federation is giving us full backing.
The Huddersfield Town fans are also campaigning at a number of different levels including joining us in the pubs and some giving their tickets to City fans.

And for me, most importantly, the Club have just released the following statement.



Hull City’s away game with Huddersfield Town on Saturday 30th March has been given the security categorisation of C+IR by West Yorkshire Police. This is the highest possible security categorisation, and, despite Hull City having no record of fan trouble or disorder, West Yorkshire Police have placed draconian restrictions on the freedom of our fans who wish to travel to the match in their usual way.

Since the imposition of this unprecedented level of security categorisation, we have been endeavouring to remove, or at least reduce, the categorisation which places an unpalatable slur upon the club, its fans and its home city. During this process we have been in close consultation with the Football Supporters’ Federation, who represent football fans across the United Kingdom. The result of these efforts has been a loosening of the travel restrictions but there has been no amendment of the security categorisation.

As a consequence Hull City has, as a club, been left to reflect upon both the feelings of its own supporters and the implications for away fans in general. We have compared the policies of forces such as West Midlands Police with West Yorkshire Police, who operate under the same national ACPO and FA guidelines, yet apply them in diametrically opposing manners.

In listening to fans we recognise, and empathise with, the deep sense of grievance over West Yorkshire Police’s effective criminalisation of Hull City supporters. Therefore whilst reluctantly accepting the increase in ticket allocation and slight reduction in travel restrictions as the most practical solution for fans wishing to attend the match, we have also decided to support a protest march organised by the Football Supporters’ Federation, aimed at highlighting the treatment of away football fans.

The march from Huddersfield Town Centre to Huddersfield Town’s John Smith’s Stadium is planned to begin at 2:30pm, arriving at the stadium at 3:00pm at which time the march banner will be handed over to Hull City supporters attending the match. The banner will then be displayed across the empty seats in the away end.

In taking this twin-track approach Hull City is addressing the broad range of opinion amongst its fans, which allows for a freedom of choice to protest WYP’s security categorisation through the march, a boycott or match attendance.

The key message that both the Football Supporters’ Federation and Hull City are seeking to highlight is that football is a spectator sport that is made complete by the presence of fans, home and away, with singing, banter, rivalry and a little rough humour; all of which combines with the match itself to create the heady cocktail of atmosphere that gives fans a great day out. Without fans, football stands at risk of becoming a dry, sterile affair lacking such emotion and passion that supporters so enthusiastically provide.

At the same time Hull City announces the formation of its Fans’ Liaison & Advisory Group (FLAG), which will engage with fans to bring added life and spectacle to the KC Stadium on match days and allow fans a presence and voice in shaping the match day experience. FLAG’s first meeting took place on Friday 15th March and will convene on a regular basis.

 

Thanks for the update DMG. This certainly appears to be victimisation without cause.

Good luck with the protest and let us know what happens on the day.

 

I find all this stupid you hull lot are a decent blokes and I have shared a
Beer with a few before games before and I would gladly do so again with any of you guys.

The wyp are preventing clubs getting on and socialising together and causing animosity if anything

 

We still have to suffer bubble trips despite our VERY much improved fan behaviour in recent years. The atmosphere around our fans both home and away is light years away from what it was ten years ago - but some police forces still haven't caught on to this. I sympathise. Even when we did have problems I resented being treated like a football hooligan.
To be brutally honest, we were not well treated at various places in Yorkshire (and the West Midlands) by the local constabulary and this just contributed to greater problems in the past. In one classic case at Wolves five years ago, there was a minor disturbance in the concourse and batton wielding police emerged up the steps and started laying in to fans who were not even aware of what had happened below to start it all off. I think there was an element of vindictiveness and revenge here relating to an incident some years before when some quick thinking boyos had seen fit to remove the handbrake off unattended police vans, thus making them look rather foolish.
Generally, it just - once again - shows a bad attitude, heavy-handedness, and unfairness towards ordinary supporters. You wouldn't get treated like this at the ballet - or even at a Welsh rugby game (and you would not believe the drunkenness, disorderly behaviour and violence that accompanies those games).

 

WYP are still stuck in a time wharp like that program Life on Mars but they think it's the 1980's. What they seem to be doing is creating tension between clubs to earn overtime in the future. Political adgenda if you ask me.

 

Pressure from WYP means our proposed march is no longer going to the ground it's going to the Library for some reason. From where we hand the banner for fans to take it to the service station, so that they can then bring it all the way back to the stadium.

The legal action proposed by a 15 year old fan has ended. (My interpretation of events follows, I could very well be wrong.) He was claiming they had no right to stop him from travelling as he pleased, so someone somewhere has agreed HE can get there how he wants.

Here's the press release.

PRESS RELEASE

15 year old Hull City fan ends legal action against Police after compromise agreed

West Yorkshire Police have agreed to a new set of conditions on the Huddersfield Town v Hull City football match on 30 March 2013. The new conditions, while far from acceptable to a lot of fans, will increase the access to the game. This is a recognition that their initial plans were disproportionate. The fact they were forced into talks with the clubs is a success for Louis and the many fans who voiced their opposition to arrangements.

Louis and his lawyers share the concern that the remaining conditions are not necessary and potentially unlawful. However, as Hull City FC have offered to make whatever arrangements that are necessary to ensure Louis can attend the game he is no longer actually restricted by the remaining conditions and is therefore unable to challenge the conditions in court. Although this offer was made with the best intentions Louis has decided not to accept it because he does not want special treatment when other fans will not be able to go to the game.

We are concerned that there are still many unresolved issues in relation to the actions of West Yorkshire Police including, the decision to categorise the match at the highest category (`C + Increased Risk'); the lawful basis for exercising police powers in these circumstances; and the basis for considering that the restrictions placed on Hull fans are necessary to reduce disorder.

Louis Cooper says "I'm obviously disappointed that the action can't go any further as I was doing this not just for myself but for all football fans. I like many others will be boycotting the game and making a peaceful protest on the day."

Lochlinn Parker says "Louis is rightfully disappointed at not being able to pursue this case against West Yorkshire Police. This match, even at a 5.20pm kick off, does not warrant more than a minimal police presence. Both sets of fans are amongst some of the best behaved in the Championship. West Yorkshire Police have accepted that if the match was played at 12.00pm they would not place any restrictions on the game but have failed to explain why the later kick off justifies the restriction on the movement of over a thousand people who will be attending what is a normal Saturday afternoon football match. The issues that arise in this case are likely to be repeated in other circumstances and we hope to be able to assist fans in the future in ensuring that they can attend matches without being restricted by unnecessary police conditions."

Amanda Jacks the Director of Case Work at the Football Supporters Federation has said "We'd like to thank Louis for being prepared to bring this challenge on behalf of all fans and share his disappointment. The Football Supporters' Federation remain fundamentally opposed to any restriction on fans movement even if the inconvenience is deemed minimal. We would hope that in future such arrangements are not imposed on supporters and will remain alert to future opportunities to challenge them."

 

So basically, to avoid any legal action, WYP are allowing a minor to attend a game that they themselves have classed as Cat C... and he can get there how he wants??
Anyway, cheers for the update Dutch. I've been following this story as my boy is now one of our Away Day trippers with his mates (I'm now surplus to requirements )

However it pans out this lad should be commended for having the balls to stand up to WYP. Although after years of experiencing how that organised hooligan group operate, I cant see them changing any time soon.

ACAB

 

I think a couple of the updates fell victim to the site problems, but in short, most Hull City fans boycotted the game, as did a fair number of Huddersfield Town fans. A march was attended by about 500 people, with fans from quite a few different clubs taking the time to be represented. WYP had an extraordinary number of Officers on duty and really demonstrated how out of touch with modern football they are.


The unofficial word from within WYP is "bubble is not an option anymore as this has now cost us more"

Although official line is risible.

"I would like to thank fans from both Huddersfield and Hull for the way in which they conducted themselves throughout.

Their behaviour played a key role in the smooth running of the event and contributed to a successful policing operation.

Our aim was always to minimise any potential risks and ensure everyone’s enjoyment of the game.

Working closely with each club in preparation, and with safety always at the forefront, we were able to achieved this."
– CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT TIM KINGSMAN "

 

Sorry to intrude, but I know one or two of you had a passing interest in this.

WYP investigation findings to be published tomorrow...

I am writing to update you on the progress made by the Chief Constable at my request to look into the understandable concerns and complaints raised with regards the process that led to the change of kick off time, and importantly West Yorkshire Police's arrangements for the management of those attending the match between Huddersfield Town and Hull City on 30 March 2013.

With a clear need to make sure this situation does not occur again West Yorkshire's Chief Constable Mark Gilmore approached the Chief Constable of Northumbria to ask for a peer review of the policing arrangements for the match to be undertaken. This review has been completed by Northumbria Police's Deputy Chief Constable Steve Ashman and I wanted to advise you that I am now reassured with the key recommendations set out within the report following a conversation with Mark Gilmore earlier this week.

The recommendations are, in my view, comprehensive and capture the failings made at the time, but importantly set out clearly what lessons need to be learnt from the experience and how similar situations can be avoided in the future. These recommendations when adopted should set a new standard in making the appropriate arrangements for the policing of football matches to make sure people and visitors in West Yorkshire are safer and feel safer.

The recommendations made that I believe will be of most interest in meeting your concerns are as follows:

West Yorkshire Police review their policy on policing football and major events. In particular strong consideration should be given to the early referral to the SAG. Of all issues of dispute between West Yorkshire Police and football clubs/event organisers

West Yorkshire Police urgently address the public concern this event has generated through a transparent explanation of events and a clear outline of changes that will be implemented

Operational risks that are identified should be presented to the Community Outcomes forum (bi-weekly meeting between the CC and the PCC)

I have asked the Chief Constable to make this review available and I understand it will be published on the West Yorkshire Police website on Fri 18 October.

I will be seeking confirmation from the Chief Constable that the appropriate lessons have been learnt and that these recommendations and changes will be implemented across West Yorkshire Police Service with immediate effect. I hope that this update has been helpful but if you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].


Mark

Mark Burns-Williamson OBE
Police and Crime Commissioner for West Yorkshire

 

Hi H,

Where have you been this long time ?

Fully agree with the Hull problem, Yorkshire police have for a long, long time been a big problem. As a Cardiff fan I've had a few more digs from them than the football fans.

 

Sounds like WYP are on a par with the West Midlands force. Now they really were/are the pits.

 

DJ - H doesn't appear to have been around for sometime. That post of his was from last March.

IsawRon - you incorrectly named our friends in the constabulary. It's the West Midlands Farce.

 

Inwardly digested Sparks, Remember going to Walsall years ago, and they got stuck into one of our fans for swearing in the Q for the turnstiles, they carted him off and left his 10 year old son standing there crying. Set of twats.

 

Northumbria Police's findings after investigating West Yorkshire Police's handling of bubblegate...

http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/sites/ default/files/files/news/category/news-ty pe/releases/peer_review_hudd_v_hull_and_w yp_responses.pdf

If you can't be arsed to read it, it's basically a whitewash, it says that WYP had evidence of risk, despite the fact that we know through FOI requests that they actually had none.

And they wonder why people don't respect the police any more.

****ing ****ers.



PS, It's discussed elsewhere, but that post's a c+P from Here...clickety click

 

Look on the bright side - you are not going to Huddersfield this season.......unless you get an away draw there in the cup.

Many thanks for the update.