Unless I'm mistaken, the police formed a solid line separating the home & away fans on exit until reaching Bishops Park during the Premiership years.
The two groups now seem to mix while emotions are running high immediately outside the ground. From what I saw yesterday & after the Wolves game we've been lucky there wasnt trouble. Presumably this falls under police control as it is outside the ground?
I walked right through the Rangers fans and chatted amicably to some on the walk back to Putney Bridge.
There was a lot of singing and chanting and I gather they were really pleased and surprised to get a draw.
The police looked bored as usual as they rarely have to deal with trouble.
Maybe it all kicked off after I left, did anyone see anything?
My emotions were running low but what does that mean?
There aren't the police numbers to have such a presence these days, because of the cuts.
Plus Championship games, unless it's someone like Millwall or Leeds, don't have the same priority as Prem.
But I remember, when we were in divs 3 and 4, always being surprised at the number of police outside the Cottage, with horses etc., though the crowds were really small, with little chance of trouble.
Penalties are draconian for anyone convicted of an offense during a game though, however minor..
Quote from: RaySmith on March 19, 2018, 08:40:14 AM
There aren't the police numbers to have such a presence these days, because of the cuts.
I was at a Met Police meeting with fans groups a few weeks ago and those cuts will only get worse and we will see numbers of front line officers fall by about 10-15% over next 3 years. So expect to see games where there will be as small as possible police numbers.
Didn't anyone tell the Rangers fans that by going to Putney Bridge they were walking away from the Bush.
QPR fans seemed to be pretty good-natured as far as i could see.
There were a group of lads in front of me who all seemed to be friends with about half Fulham and half Rangers.
Quote from: Dixie on March 19, 2018, 01:08:50 PM
QPR fans seemed to be pretty good-natured as far as i could see.
There were a group of lads in front of me who all seemed to be friends with about half Fulham and half Rangers.
That's the way it should be 👍⚽️
Seemed to me there were more than enough police present and they don't come for free.Biggest problem was horse poo avoidance not the ,yawn,cuts
No problems at all from what I saw just a bit of banter, the aggravation increases if there are too many Police as its normally aimed at them (especially in the case of Millwall)
The only real trouble I have seen this season was the Cardiff fans in Bishops Park after the police had told them to stop using obscene language.
They back chatted the Police and there were struggles and one or two were arrested.
It as quite clear that they had had too much drink.
Quote from: west kowloon white on March 19, 2018, 03:36:42 PM
Seemed to me there were more than enough police present and they don't come for free.Biggest problem was horse poo avoidance not the ,yawn,cuts
Yes the horse poo, that's why I always carry a shovel and a sack with me to matches. Makes good Manure for my vegetables up at the allotment.
Surprised they let you into the ground with a shovel and would have thought you would have produced enough of your own to cover a very large veggie patch.
Quote from: west kowloon white on March 19, 2018, 06:54:56 PM
Surprised they let you into the ground with a shovel and would have thought you would have produced enough of your own to cover a very large veggie patch.
I have never mentioned bringing any shovel into the ground. I leave the shovel outside with one of those Police Officers you are mentioning that loaf around whilst the match is proceeding. I never use my own Manure, too much iron and protein.
Could you pm me with your plod contact in case I need to store my garden tool during the match - thanks.
Quote from: west kowloon white on March 19, 2018, 11:19:46 PM
Could you pm me with your plod contact in case I need to store my garden tool during the match - thanks.
Unfortunately due to the Data Protection Act 1987, I am prevented from disclosing Confidential & Restricted Information, as this is a personal and privileged arrangement between two consenting adults.