There have been a lot of stories and sports talk radio jabber in recent weeks about violence at college football games, usually related to fans storming the field after a game and attempting to tear down the goal posts. (Historical note: This is why Mississippi State and Ole Miss started handing out the Golden Egg Trophy 75 years ago.) But U.S. sports hooliganism is still minor-league compared to what goes on overseas.
Dr. S considers goal-post toppling OK if the victory is truly momentous (although a faceful of pepper spray and injury from falling heavy metal are negatives). But lately fans seem to storm the field every time their team wins a game, which is ridiculous.
Although security at U.S. sporting events has been beefed up in recent years, it's still nominal by the standards of most European nations. Consider this message sent to fans before an FA Cup match between two minor-league soccer teams in England. Neither of these clubs' fans have a history of violence at games. But this is England, the cradle of soccer's worst hooligans, so the authorities don't like to take chances.
The following was posted on the Barrow AFC web site by Barrow club officials and is from the West Mercia Police in Shrewsbury about the FA Cup tie.
1, The following info is issued jointly by Shrewsbury Town Football Club (STFC) and West Mercia Police. The advice is issued for the benefit of visiting supporters because our paramount consideration is the safety, well-being and comfort of spectators attending this fixture; the well being of players and officials and to ensure that all supporters enjoy their visit to STFC in an appropriate manner.
2. This fixture is all-ticket for Barrow AFC fans. There will be no ticket sales on the day and no cash turnstiles. Supporters without tickets are advised not to travel. They will not gain entry to home sections because the club operates an admission policy which ensures that there is segregation in force. Supporters without tickets will not get beyond the approach to the stadium which has only
one entrance/exit.
3. Parking at Gay Meadow: Parking is limited and for this match the car park will be given to Barrow supporters. Priority will be given to coaches & mini-buses. Coach operators and party organisers must ensure that coaches and mini-buses come direct to the stadium and arrive no earlier than 1.30pm and no later than 2pm. Coaches and mini-bus drivers will be charged a parking fee of UKP5, private cars will be charged UKP2.
4. Disabled persons in wheel chairs: Separate car parking within the main car park is available to disabled persons in wheel chairs travelling by car. Car parking for disabled is free and admission with, or without an escort, is through Gate F which is adjacent to the entrance to the car park. Disabled persons in wheel chairs are admitted free of charge: escorts are charged UKP5. Names are required in advance.
5. Pre-match security: Spectators will be required to show their match day ticket before leaving their coach or vehicle. All spectators, as a matter of routine, will be searched at the turnstiles before being allowed entrance to the ground. Any person found in possession of any article which contravenes Football League Ground Regulations will be arrested, as will any person considered to be under the influence of alcohol. Coaches and the person responsible for the vehicle will be arrested and the contents confiscated. Musical instruments are not allowed to be brought into the ground.
6. Spectator behaviour: Spectators are expected to co-operate fully with police officers' and stewards' instructions. Any person who encroaches onto the pitch at any time will be arrested. The following are arrestable offences which the football club will not hesitate to apply; the throwing of any object within the ground; the chanting of anything indecent or of a racist nature.
7. Leaving the stadium: Supporters will not be allowed to leave the ground until the exit gates are opened five (5) minutes before the final whistle. A strict traffic management policy is in force because of the restricted route from the stadium. The car park will be closed five (5) minutes before the end of the match and no traffic will be allowed to leave the ground until all spectators on foot have left the ground and surrounding area. This is normally achieved within ten minutes of the final whistle. We want all supporters to have an enjoyable visit to STFC. We shall do our utmost to ensure that happens in return we rely on your co-operation, good behaviour and willingness to follow the advice given.
From Shrewsbury Town FC and West Mercia Constabulary
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