Post by ThrobsBlackHat on Jan 23, 2004 2:17:12 GMT 1
Dear Mr Matthias
Firstly, may I apologise for the delay in responding to your e-mail it was one of a great many regarding my original letter.
I can appreciate the comments regarding the fans charter, however regarding the match in question ie Hereford vs Shrewsbury the facts are: In Butcher row we had both sets of hooligans chanting for Shrewsbury Town and Hereford which culminated in a fight with each other and police.
Earlier in the day the police came round the various pubs in the locality of the town centre, suggesting they close to stop the various factions drinking.
Two hundred police were used on this Saturday. It is therefore perfectly feasible that trouble was expected. Also the Yorkshire public house had a serious incident which involved police in full riot gear, with dogs. A member of the public was knocked to the ground.
Whilst I am aware that the true STFC fans were in the ground watching the match, there is an element that simply follow the town, just to cause trouble. Perhaps you and like minded, true supporters attempt to identify this minority. Finally it was not my intention to offend or accuse the true supporter, but certain Saturdays can be very frustrating, both as a businessman and as a member of the public.
Yours sincerly Cllr P Lord
(Battlefield & Heathgates)
Dear Councillor Lord,
Thank you for your response, it is appreciated.
I would debate one minor point with you, the people in question are from Shrewsbury certainly, but do not follow Town as supporters, because as you mention Town fans were at the Gay Meadow watching a football match.
Thank you for your personal response. Be rest assured we are working hard with the local police, having had a recent meeting, to try and develop a truly family atmosphere at Gay Meadow.
It is impossible for us to identify these people to the police because they do not attend matches, they do not wear club colours and they do not associate with Shrewsbury fans. They may cause public order offences in town, but as you say, we are in the football ground watching football, as all real football fans will be.
If any anti-social behaviour occurs relating to the football in some ways it is the genuine football fans who require protection. We are the ones who can be attacked by mindless individuals just because of the colour of our shirts. We are the victims as much as anyone else because it effects our major hobby. For this reason we are asking the police to continue their efforts to find and arrest these people, and I would also ask elected people such as yourself to remember all sides of this complex issue, namely the fact fans of STFC wear club colours and go to games, these people do not.
As I said, I do really appreciate a personal reply, realising you must be very busy in your public role.
Kind regards,
Dave Matthias
to be continued!
Firstly, may I apologise for the delay in responding to your e-mail it was one of a great many regarding my original letter.
I can appreciate the comments regarding the fans charter, however regarding the match in question ie Hereford vs Shrewsbury the facts are: In Butcher row we had both sets of hooligans chanting for Shrewsbury Town and Hereford which culminated in a fight with each other and police.
Earlier in the day the police came round the various pubs in the locality of the town centre, suggesting they close to stop the various factions drinking.
Two hundred police were used on this Saturday. It is therefore perfectly feasible that trouble was expected. Also the Yorkshire public house had a serious incident which involved police in full riot gear, with dogs. A member of the public was knocked to the ground.
Whilst I am aware that the true STFC fans were in the ground watching the match, there is an element that simply follow the town, just to cause trouble. Perhaps you and like minded, true supporters attempt to identify this minority. Finally it was not my intention to offend or accuse the true supporter, but certain Saturdays can be very frustrating, both as a businessman and as a member of the public.
Yours sincerly Cllr P Lord
(Battlefield & Heathgates)
Dear Councillor Lord,
Thank you for your response, it is appreciated.
I would debate one minor point with you, the people in question are from Shrewsbury certainly, but do not follow Town as supporters, because as you mention Town fans were at the Gay Meadow watching a football match.
Thank you for your personal response. Be rest assured we are working hard with the local police, having had a recent meeting, to try and develop a truly family atmosphere at Gay Meadow.
It is impossible for us to identify these people to the police because they do not attend matches, they do not wear club colours and they do not associate with Shrewsbury fans. They may cause public order offences in town, but as you say, we are in the football ground watching football, as all real football fans will be.
If any anti-social behaviour occurs relating to the football in some ways it is the genuine football fans who require protection. We are the ones who can be attacked by mindless individuals just because of the colour of our shirts. We are the victims as much as anyone else because it effects our major hobby. For this reason we are asking the police to continue their efforts to find and arrest these people, and I would also ask elected people such as yourself to remember all sides of this complex issue, namely the fact fans of STFC wear club colours and go to games, these people do not.
As I said, I do really appreciate a personal reply, realising you must be very busy in your public role.
Kind regards,
Dave Matthias
to be continued!