A complaint made to the police by Fulham Supporters Trust about possible excessive force used by stewards when Fulham visited the London Stadium to play West Ham on 22nd February has been denied by stadium stakeholders.
The London Stadium Safety Advisory Group heard that following a review of the CCTV by the Met Police Service and operators LS185 there was no evidence of excessive force being used and the Fulham Supporters Trust were offered to watch the CCTV footage.
Operator LS185 told the safety meeting on 2nd April that they will be re-briefing stewards on the handling of fans. The police added that the Fulham supporters behaviour on the concourse during the half time was particularly poor.
The game saw peaceful protests by Fulham fans in the lower away stand unfurling a banner against their owners saying ‘Risk Free? Are you watching Tony Kahn? to which stewards attempted to confiscate the banner in question which caused a number of altercations between fans and stewards.
What business is it of the stewards to try and confiscate their banner?
Free speech?
Jobsworth on the rules they are.
Conditions of ticket say
London Stadium allows supporters to display flags and banners on West Ham United match days provided that:
The banner is manufactured to British Standards and has been certified as fire retardant
The banner is no larger than two metres by two metres.
The banner is displayed in a suitable location and does not obstruct commercial, venue or event owner branding, LED panels or seats in use. Banners may be displayed in areas pre-agreed with West Ham United, and at the discretion of the club. Please contact supporterservices@westhamunited.co.uk for more information.
The content of the banner is not derogatory or offensive to any individual or group. Defamatory, political or offensive slogans will not be Banners in support of the team and players are welcomed.
So in Fulham’s case, It wasn’t fire retardant as it was homemade from a sheet, it was over 2m wide, it obstructed seats and it was derogatory to Fulham’s owners. 😉