Transport Police makes call to football fans using trains

British Transport Police has called on football fans using the railways in the North West to act responsibly this coming football season, with figures from last season showing a worrying increase in alcohol-fuelled violence by fans of all clubs using the railway.

BTP Assistant Chief Constable of Operations Alan Pacey said the 2007-2008 season saw a 10 per cent increase in football related anti-social and alcohol-fuelled incidents on trains and at stations across England.

“The 2007/2008 season was definitely a challenging one for us. Alcohol-fuelled disorder was the most prevalent problem, with an increase from 305 to 337 incidents. We also had 25 police officers assaulted during the season – the highest number ever recorded by BTP,” he said.

“We did however get a better grip on organised hooligan elements through increased use of football banning orders on known trouble-makers. Consequently we had a reduction in serious incidents from 83 in the 2006/07 season to 63 last season.”

For the eighth season running, football-related arrests have increased, up from 567 to 601.

“In the same time period we secured 122 football banning orders nationally, with many cases still pending,” added ACC Pacey.

“This is something we will continue to pursue to ensure that those who engage in disorder are banned from travelling to, or from attending, football matches.

“We will use all the tools at our disposal to rid the railway system of football troublemakers. We know that these people are in the minority but we don’t want them spoiling things for the majority of law-abiding football fans. Our number one concern is ensuring that well-behaved football fans as well as other members of the public who are using the transport system on match days can travel from A to B in safety.

“A forum which brings together key groups from the railway industry, the FA, Football League and Premier League, supporters associations and BTP has been also been set up to work through any issues that may be causing concern.”

ACC Pacey said the forum was eager to ensure that season 2008/2009 was a success.

Of the 601 arrests made nationally, 101 arrests took place in the North West, with Football Intelligence officers securing a total of 14 football banning orders.

BTP Superintendent Graham Bamford said: "The majority of football fans here in the North West are law-abiding citizens who are out for a good day of sport. There is however nearly always a small minority who seem determined to be anti-social and by virtue of their behaviour bring the game and the notion of being a supporter into disrepute.
"We are calling on all football fans to act responsibly this season. We’re not here to spoil the fun but people have the right to travel on the railway network and go about their business without being subjected to offensive or anti-social behaviour.

“Alcohol-fuelled disorder will not be tolerated on the railway and if people choose to behave this way they will be swiftly dealt with by police.

“Officers will be out in force across the North West this season, monitoring fixtures and working with football clubs and colleagues from other forces to ensure each match is policed successfully and with the minimum amount of trouble.”