Post by saturdaysheros on Sept 4, 2006 1:25:45 GMT -5
Warning to football hooligans
KICK off and you will be kicked out.
That is the warning from Blackpool police to football hooligans ahead of the Seasiders' clash with Nottingham Forest a week tonight.
Last season's fixture, on February 4, was marred by violence as yobs clashed in and outside the Castle Pub on Central Drive and the Swift Hound.
Five people were arrested on the day and, following extensive investigations, another 13 were arrested in dawn raids, eight of whom were subsequently banned from Bloomfield Road.
Police warned the zero tolerance approach will see any further offenders hit with banning orders – which can see passports being seized – to stop them from entering any football ground for three years.
A co-ordinated media campaign is also being carried out by Nottinghamshire Police ahead of the match on Tuesday.
Insp Steve Needham, match commander for the League One match, said anyone intent on causing trouble in Blackpool would face arrest.
He said: "Everyone involved with the planning prior to the match hopes that there will be a great atmosphere at the ground and indeed people enjoy themselves if they have a drink in the town either before or after the game.
"However, anyone coming to Blackpool with the intention of causing trouble either at the match or in the town centre will be dealt with robustly.
"We work closely with Blackpool Football Club to ensure that positive action is taken against anyone coming to a game with the intention of causing trouble and spoiling the match for law abiding fans."
A spokesman for Blackpool Football Club said: "We don't condone violence or bad behaviour in any way and we would appeal to our fans to heed the warning of the police and remain on their best behaviour.
"We have had a good record at Bloomfield Road for a long time and that is something we are proud of and work very hard to maintain.
Welcomed
"Hopefully both sets of fans will simply come and enjoy what should be a very good football game."
Glenn Bowley, chairman of the Blackpool Supporters Association, said real fans welcomed the police stance.
He said: "Any efforts by the police to stop that from happening again is welcome, no-one wants to see scenes like that again.
"Football clubs have to work with the police to tell the hooligans violence will not be tolerated
"I think the police and stewards will be ready. But I think it is worth saying to Blackpool fans that if they hear of any trouble planned on Tuesday they should inform the police."
Football banning orders were handed out after the trouble in February to prevent access to any domestic football club plus England or Wales international games, and could even see the recipient having to hand over their passport if their team plays away.
KICK off and you will be kicked out.
That is the warning from Blackpool police to football hooligans ahead of the Seasiders' clash with Nottingham Forest a week tonight.
Last season's fixture, on February 4, was marred by violence as yobs clashed in and outside the Castle Pub on Central Drive and the Swift Hound.
Five people were arrested on the day and, following extensive investigations, another 13 were arrested in dawn raids, eight of whom were subsequently banned from Bloomfield Road.
Police warned the zero tolerance approach will see any further offenders hit with banning orders – which can see passports being seized – to stop them from entering any football ground for three years.
A co-ordinated media campaign is also being carried out by Nottinghamshire Police ahead of the match on Tuesday.
Insp Steve Needham, match commander for the League One match, said anyone intent on causing trouble in Blackpool would face arrest.
He said: "Everyone involved with the planning prior to the match hopes that there will be a great atmosphere at the ground and indeed people enjoy themselves if they have a drink in the town either before or after the game.
"However, anyone coming to Blackpool with the intention of causing trouble either at the match or in the town centre will be dealt with robustly.
"We work closely with Blackpool Football Club to ensure that positive action is taken against anyone coming to a game with the intention of causing trouble and spoiling the match for law abiding fans."
A spokesman for Blackpool Football Club said: "We don't condone violence or bad behaviour in any way and we would appeal to our fans to heed the warning of the police and remain on their best behaviour.
"We have had a good record at Bloomfield Road for a long time and that is something we are proud of and work very hard to maintain.
Welcomed
"Hopefully both sets of fans will simply come and enjoy what should be a very good football game."
Glenn Bowley, chairman of the Blackpool Supporters Association, said real fans welcomed the police stance.
He said: "Any efforts by the police to stop that from happening again is welcome, no-one wants to see scenes like that again.
"Football clubs have to work with the police to tell the hooligans violence will not be tolerated
"I think the police and stewards will be ready. But I think it is worth saying to Blackpool fans that if they hear of any trouble planned on Tuesday they should inform the police."
Football banning orders were handed out after the trouble in February to prevent access to any domestic football club plus England or Wales international games, and could even see the recipient having to hand over their passport if their team plays away.