Pre-Match Police Issues - Bit of an Update

[sirchris]

For the record as i have clearly stated i dont think my view is right it is just an opinion , which is as valid to me as yours is to you. What i am open to ,unlike you, is that others may not share my opinion.and that doesn't make them or me wrong , its just an opinion.
I also respect that opinions are based on someone levels of knowledge and experience in different subjects.
I would be far more interested in continuing a healthy debate with you if you weren't so patronising and frankly aggressive.
on that note I'm out I really can't be arsed to discuss this with you any further let's agree to disagree and move on .

 

[SW12 to S12 to S18]

It would be interesting to hear from fans of other clubs as to how their local Derbies are policed.
For example, wasn't there a small match in Glasgow at the weekend? How do Strathclyde? Police cope with a sectarian crowd of around 50k in order. How do Greater Manchester police manage to police two European matches being held on the same night in Manchester with a total crowd involving overseas fans of say 130k where everyone has to mix in central Manchester pre and post match which is what happened at least once last season.
If anyone has experience of these events did you see anything similar to what happened on Sunday?
Sorry but I don't have much faith in SY Police when it comes to controlling football crowds. I remember a League Cup game at The Lane a few years ago, early round versus someone like Shrewsbury, a crowd of about 5k and there was Robocop in full riot gear standing in The South Stand concourse, pathetic.
It's about time they get to grips with this policing and actually learn from their counterparts in other police forces.

 

[GodricBlade]

Took some time but thought I'd share a summary of the responses I've had.
Safe to say - there's a bit of people pointing at others but what's evident is that the operation wasn't as well joined up or thought through as it could/should have been. And for me there are some learns in here.

I sent the SYPCC & the MP's for S2 & S6 the same e-mail raising the concerns around the tram issues, the delay at Hillsborough Corner & the turnstiles. Neither MP has even acknowledged the e-mails they received. Earning their money there then.....

The SYPCC has facilitated two responses from Temporary Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley at SYP.

Response 1 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"This operation was large-scale and incredibly complex, requiring coordination from a number of local partners.
A dedicated non-stop tram was specifically put on ....The emergency chord was pulled close to Hillsborough Corner, where groups of opposing supporters were socialising before making their way to the ground. The tram doors were forced open and those on board got off.
To ensure the safety we had to keep home and away supporters separated to prevent any potential disorder, which meant delaying some fans. This decision was taken because we knew there were people within the groups known to police, who have previously engaged in violence and disorder. They potentially posed a risk to other fans and the wider public.
It is understandable that some supporters were frustrated about the delay this caused, but our decisions were proportionate to prevent any harm coming to fans and the general public. The decision to delay a kick-off lies solely with the referee following consultation and/or advice from the club safety officer and police, and this is a decision normally based on public safety. As soon as we became aware that there would be a delay as a result of the tram being stopped, we notified the club immediately and advised that a number of supporters would be arriving late."


I replied asking for more specifics about:

• Why it took the "non-stop tram" an hour (and several unscheduled stops) to make what is usually an 11 minute journey.
• Why Hillsborough corner wasn't cleared of Wednesday fans before the arrival of the trams & fans.
• The fact that the emergency chord was pulled to relieve the increasing temperature & stuffiness having been at a halt for 10 minutes.
• Why the Police did not communicate to SWFC the fact that 500 Utd fans would be arriving late and to have the turnstiles open & ready.

Response 2 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"The tram travelling to Hillsborough was asked to stop only once by the police. Live intelligence was being received that a group of rival risk supporters were gathered with the intent of attacking the tram. This was then confirmed by our own observations.
There were approximately 10,000 Wednesday supporters in Hillsborough Corner. It was not necessary or possible to remove all these fans before the trams passed through that location. The issue was specifically the group that was forming, whilst the tram was travelling towards Hillsborough. Intelligence was consistently suggesting their intention to attack the tram. As the police's primary objective is the safety of the public, the decision was taken to ask the tram to stop so the issue could be resolved.
The police immediately contacted Sheffield Wednesday football club, specifically the Safety Officer, to inform them that the fans would be delayed. The information passed to the club included the numbers involved. The club were aware of this situation 20 minutes before the fans arrived at the stadium.
Additionally the turnstile arrangements at the club are the sole responsibility of the club and therefore I am unable to comment on the perceived lack of open turnstiles."

So there we have it and I'm leaving it there but taking away the following that you may or may not agree with:-

1. I'll never get a specially organised tram to the Rust Bucket again. I know we probably all already came to that conclusion but when you think about it, it's madness. We could have all booked D-Taxi's instead......
2. The ability for SYP & SWFC to communicate with each other & act effectively on that communication was as poor in Sept as it was.....well, I don't need to say when. Leppings Lane needs condemning along with the rest of it.
3. SYP seem to have organised themselves into a problem by putting on the trams that they then couldn't manage because they allowed 10,000 (really?) wendy's to block the route. They had no Plan B and so just had to react in the best way they could.
4. wendy are just simply shit in every single department & if you believe the above, failed to respond to the SYP's information.
5. MP's are a waste of time, air & space.
6. This feels like a very special time in the history of Sheffield United. Fasten Your Seatbelts - this ride is going to be amazing.

Cheers, see you Saturday & UTB!

 

[Rusty view]

Took some time but thought I'd share a summary of the responses I've had.
Safe to say - there's a bit of people pointing at others but what's evident is that the operation wasn't as well joined up or thought through as it could/should have been. And for me there are some learns in here.

I sent the SYPCC & the MP's for S2 & S6 the same e-mail raising the concerns around the tram issues, the delay at Hillsborough Corner & the turnstiles. Neither MP has even acknowledged the e-mails they received. Earning their money there then.....

The SYPCC has facilitated two responses from Temporary Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley at SYP.

Response 1 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"This operation was large-scale and incredibly complex, requiring coordination from a number of local partners.
A dedicated non-stop tram was specifically put on ....The emergency chord was pulled close to Hillsborough Corner, where groups of opposing supporters were socialising before making their way to the ground. The tram doors were forced open and those on board got off.
To ensure the safety we had to keep home and away supporters separated to prevent any potential disorder, which meant delaying some fans. This decision was taken because we knew there were people within the groups known to police, who have previously engaged in violence and disorder. They potentially posed a risk to other fans and the wider public.
It is understandable that some supporters were frustrated about the delay this caused, but our decisions were proportionate to prevent any harm coming to fans and the general public. The decision to delay a kick-off lies solely with the referee following consultation and/or advice from the club safety officer and police, and this is a decision normally based on public safety. As soon as we became aware that there would be a delay as a result of the tram being stopped, we notified the club immediately and advised that a number of supporters would be arriving late."


I replied asking for more specifics about:

• Why it took the "non-stop tram" an hour (and several unscheduled stops) to make what is usually an 11 minute journey.
• Why Hillsborough corner wasn't cleared of Wednesday fans before the arrival of the trams & fans.
• The fact that the emergency chord was pulled to relieve the increasing temperature & stuffiness having been at a halt for 10 minutes.
• Why the Police did not communicate to SWFC the fact that 500 Utd fans would be arriving late and to have the turnstiles open & ready.

Response 2 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"The tram travelling to Hillsborough was asked to stop only once by the police. Live intelligence was being received that a group of rival risk supporters were gathered with the intent of attacking the tram. This was then confirmed by our own observations.
There were approximately 10,000 Wednesday supporters in Hillsborough Corner. It was not necessary or possible to remove all these fans before the trams passed through that location. The issue was specifically the group that was forming, whilst the tram was travelling towards Hillsborough. Intelligence was consistently suggesting their intention to attack the tram. As the police's primary objective is the safety of the public, the decision was taken to ask the tram to stop so the issue could be resolved.
The police immediately contacted Sheffield Wednesday football club, specifically the Safety Officer, to inform them that the fans would be delayed. The information passed to the club included the numbers involved. The club were aware of this situation 20 minutes before the fans arrived at the stadium.
Additionally the turnstile arrangements at the club are the sole responsibility of the club and therefore I am unable to comment on the perceived lack of open turnstiles."

So there we have it and I'm leaving it there but taking away the following that you may or may not agree with:-

1. I'll never get a specially organised tram to the Rust Bucket again. I know we probably all already came to that conclusion but when you think about it, it's madness. We could have all booked D-Taxi's instead......
2. The ability for SYP & SWFC to communicate with each other & act effectively on that communication was as poor in Sept as it was.....well, I don't need to say when. Leppings Lane needs condemning along with the rest of it.
3. SYP seem to have organised themselves into a problem by putting on the trams that they then couldn't manage because they allowed 10,000 (really?) wendy's to block the route. They had no Plan B and so just had to react in the best way they could.
4. wendy are just simply shit in every single department & if you believe the above, failed to respond to the SYP's information.
5. MP's are a waste of time, air & space.
6. This feels like a very special time in the history of Sheffield United. Fasten Your Seatbelts - this ride is going to be amazing.

Cheers, see you Saturday & UTB!

I didn't get a ticket so naturally didn't get caught up. However I did walk through Boro corner at around 10.30. As you can imagine fans were everywhere. I suppose what I'm trying to say is it was blatant obvious to me what was going to happen well before the trams departed.

 

[Dellas Cowboys]

Took some time but thought I'd share a summary of the responses I've had.
Safe to say - there's a bit of people pointing at others but what's evident is that the operation wasn't as well joined up or thought through as it could/should have been. And for me there are some learns in here.

I sent the SYPCC & the MP's for S2 & S6 the same e-mail raising the concerns around the tram issues, the delay at Hillsborough Corner & the turnstiles. Neither MP has even acknowledged the e-mails they received. Earning their money there then.....

The SYPCC has facilitated two responses from Temporary Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley at SYP.

Response 1 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"This operation was large-scale and incredibly complex, requiring coordination from a number of local partners.
A dedicated non-stop tram was specifically put on ....The emergency chord was pulled close to Hillsborough Corner, where groups of opposing supporters were socialising before making their way to the ground. The tram doors were forced open and those on board got off.
To ensure the safety we had to keep home and away supporters separated to prevent any potential disorder, which meant delaying some fans. This decision was taken because we knew there were people within the groups known to police, who have previously engaged in violence and disorder. They potentially posed a risk to other fans and the wider public.
It is understandable that some supporters were frustrated about the delay this caused, but our decisions were proportionate to prevent any harm coming to fans and the general public. The decision to delay a kick-off lies solely with the referee following consultation and/or advice from the club safety officer and police, and this is a decision normally based on public safety. As soon as we became aware that there would be a delay as a result of the tram being stopped, we notified the club immediately and advised that a number of supporters would be arriving late."


I replied asking for more specifics about:

• Why it took the "non-stop tram" an hour (and several unscheduled stops) to make what is usually an 11 minute journey.
• Why Hillsborough corner wasn't cleared of Wednesday fans before the arrival of the trams & fans.
• The fact that the emergency chord was pulled to relieve the increasing temperature & stuffiness having been at a halt for 10 minutes.
• Why the Police did not communicate to SWFC the fact that 500 Utd fans would be arriving late and to have the turnstiles open & ready.

Response 2 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"The tram travelling to Hillsborough was asked to stop only once by the police. Live intelligence was being received that a group of rival risk supporters were gathered with the intent of attacking the tram. This was then confirmed by our own observations.
There were approximately 10,000 Wednesday supporters in Hillsborough Corner. It was not necessary or possible to remove all these fans before the trams passed through that location. The issue was specifically the group that was forming, whilst the tram was travelling towards Hillsborough. Intelligence was consistently suggesting their intention to attack the tram. As the police's primary objective is the safety of the public, the decision was taken to ask the tram to stop so the issue could be resolved.
The police immediately contacted Sheffield Wednesday football club, specifically the Safety Officer, to inform them that the fans would be delayed. The information passed to the club included the numbers involved. The club were aware of this situation 20 minutes before the fans arrived at the stadium.
Additionally the turnstile arrangements at the club are the sole responsibility of the club and therefore I am unable to comment on the perceived lack of open turnstiles."

So there we have it and I'm leaving it there but taking away the following that you may or may not agree with:-

1. I'll never get a specially organised tram to the Rust Bucket again. I know we probably all already came to that conclusion but when you think about it, it's madness. We could have all booked D-Taxi's instead......
2. The ability for SYP & SWFC to communicate with each other & act effectively on that communication was as poor in Sept as it was.....well, I don't need to say when. Leppings Lane needs condemning along with the rest of it.
3. SYP seem to have organised themselves into a problem by putting on the trams that they then couldn't manage because they allowed 10,000 (really?) wendy's to block the route. They had no Plan B and so just had to react in the best way they could.
4. wendy are just simply shit in every single department & if you believe the above, failed to respond to the SYP's information.
5. MP's are a waste of time, air & space.
6. This feels like a very special time in the history of Sheffield United. Fasten Your Seatbelts - this ride is going to be amazing.

Cheers, see you Saturday & UTB!

Well done for getting these responses. it's certainly true that you could have arrived by taxi. I drove from town past the stadium on Penistone Rd about 15 mins before kick off with no issues at all. Well, other than the abundance of unsightly blue and white.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Took some time but thought I'd share a summary of the responses I've had.
Safe to say - there's a bit of people pointing at others but what's evident is that the operation wasn't as well joined up or thought through as it could/should have been. And for me there are some learns in here.

I sent the SYPCC & the MP's for S2 & S6 the same e-mail raising the concerns around the tram issues, the delay at Hillsborough Corner & the turnstiles. Neither MP has even acknowledged the e-mails they received. Earning their money there then.....

The SYPCC has facilitated two responses from Temporary Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley at SYP.

Response 1 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"This operation was large-scale and incredibly complex, requiring coordination from a number of local partners.
A dedicated non-stop tram was specifically put on ....The emergency chord was pulled close to Hillsborough Corner, where groups of opposing supporters were socialising before making their way to the ground. The tram doors were forced open and those on board got off.
To ensure the safety we had to keep home and away supporters separated to prevent any potential disorder, which meant delaying some fans. This decision was taken because we knew there were people within the groups known to police, who have previously engaged in violence and disorder. They potentially posed a risk to other fans and the wider public.
It is understandable that some supporters were frustrated about the delay this caused, but our decisions were proportionate to prevent any harm coming to fans and the general public. The decision to delay a kick-off lies solely with the referee following consultation and/or advice from the club safety officer and police, and this is a decision normally based on public safety. As soon as we became aware that there would be a delay as a result of the tram being stopped, we notified the club immediately and advised that a number of supporters would be arriving late."


I replied asking for more specifics about:

• Why it took the "non-stop tram" an hour (and several unscheduled stops) to make what is usually an 11 minute journey.
• Why Hillsborough corner wasn't cleared of Wednesday fans before the arrival of the trams & fans.
• The fact that the emergency chord was pulled to relieve the increasing temperature & stuffiness having been at a halt for 10 minutes.
• Why the Police did not communicate to SWFC the fact that 500 Utd fans would be arriving late and to have the turnstiles open & ready.

Response 2 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"The tram travelling to Hillsborough was asked to stop only once by the police. Live intelligence was being received that a group of rival risk supporters were gathered with the intent of attacking the tram. This was then confirmed by our own observations.
There were approximately 10,000 Wednesday supporters in Hillsborough Corner. It was not necessary or possible to remove all these fans before the trams passed through that location. The issue was specifically the group that was forming, whilst the tram was travelling towards Hillsborough. Intelligence was consistently suggesting their intention to attack the tram. As the police's primary objective is the safety of the public, the decision was taken to ask the tram to stop so the issue could be resolved.
The police immediately contacted Sheffield Wednesday football club, specifically the Safety Officer, to inform them that the fans would be delayed. The information passed to the club included the numbers involved. The club were aware of this situation 20 minutes before the fans arrived at the stadium.
Additionally the turnstile arrangements at the club are the sole responsibility of the club and therefore I am unable to comment on the perceived lack of open turnstiles."

So there we have it and I'm leaving it there but taking away the following that you may or may not agree with:-

1. I'll never get a specially organised tram to the Rust Bucket again. I know we probably all already came to that conclusion but when you think about it, it's madness. We could have all booked D-Taxi's instead......
2. The ability for SYP & SWFC to communicate with each other & act effectively on that communication was as poor in Sept as it was.....well, I don't need to say when. Leppings Lane needs condemning along with the rest of it.
3. SYP seem to have organised themselves into a problem by putting on the trams that they then couldn't manage because they allowed 10,000 (really?) wendy's to block the route. They had no Plan B and so just had to react in the best way they could.
4. wendy are just simply shit in every single department & if you believe the above, failed to respond to the SYP's information.
5. MP's are a waste of time, air & space.
6. This feels like a very special time in the history of Sheffield United. Fasten Your Seatbelts - this ride is going to be amazing.

Cheers, see you Saturday & UTB!

Well being on the tram his comments about the emergency cord being pulled "close to HC" is a load of bollocks and I'd gladly tell him to his face. It stopped several times, maybe he ought to find out why.

Any photographic evidence of 10000 Pigs at HC waiting for the tram? You'd think someone would have it on their phone.

He says they immediately informed the club and they were aware twenty minutes before we arrived. So that's around five minutes before kick off then. Is he really pretending that that was the time he realised there would be a delay? Not when there were 10000 waiting to attack the tram.

What a load of shite from someone who's wages are paid by the tax payer. Ten thousand hooligans massed, willing to miss the kick off, was the Sty one third empty at KO, and no proof whatsoever of any of it.

Shithouse.

 

[nicksufc]

Took some time but thought I'd share a summary of the responses I've had.
Safe to say - there's a bit of people pointing at others but what's evident is that the operation wasn't as well joined up or thought through as it could/should have been. And for me there are some learns in here.

I sent the SYPCC & the MP's for S2 & S6 the same e-mail raising the concerns around the tram issues, the delay at Hillsborough Corner & the turnstiles. Neither MP has even acknowledged the e-mails they received. Earning their money there then.....

The SYPCC has facilitated two responses from Temporary Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley at SYP.

Response 1 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"This operation was large-scale and incredibly complex, requiring coordination from a number of local partners.
A dedicated non-stop tram was specifically put on ....The emergency chord was pulled close to Hillsborough Corner, where groups of opposing supporters were socialising before making their way to the ground. The tram doors were forced open and those on board got off.
To ensure the safety we had to keep home and away supporters separated to prevent any potential disorder, which meant delaying some fans. This decision was taken because we knew there were people within the groups known to police, who have previously engaged in violence and disorder. They potentially posed a risk to other fans and the wider public.
It is understandable that some supporters were frustrated about the delay this caused, but our decisions were proportionate to prevent any harm coming to fans and the general public. The decision to delay a kick-off lies solely with the referee following consultation and/or advice from the club safety officer and police, and this is a decision normally based on public safety. As soon as we became aware that there would be a delay as a result of the tram being stopped, we notified the club immediately and advised that a number of supporters would be arriving late."


I replied asking for more specifics about:

• Why it took the "non-stop tram" an hour (and several unscheduled stops) to make what is usually an 11 minute journey.
• Why Hillsborough corner wasn't cleared of Wednesday fans before the arrival of the trams & fans.
• The fact that the emergency chord was pulled to relieve the increasing temperature & stuffiness having been at a halt for 10 minutes.
• Why the Police did not communicate to SWFC the fact that 500 Utd fans would be arriving late and to have the turnstiles open & ready.

Response 2 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"The tram travelling to Hillsborough was asked to stop only once by the police. Live intelligence was being received that a group of rival risk supporters were gathered with the intent of attacking the tram. This was then confirmed by our own observations.
There were approximately 10,000 Wednesday supporters in Hillsborough Corner. It was not necessary or possible to remove all these fans before the trams passed through that location. The issue was specifically the group that was forming, whilst the tram was travelling towards Hillsborough. Intelligence was consistently suggesting their intention to attack the tram. As the police's primary objective is the safety of the public, the decision was taken to ask the tram to stop so the issue could be resolved.
The police immediately contacted Sheffield Wednesday football club, specifically the Safety Officer, to inform them that the fans would be delayed. The information passed to the club included the numbers involved. The club were aware of this situation 20 minutes before the fans arrived at the stadium.
Additionally the turnstile arrangements at the club are the sole responsibility of the club and therefore I am unable to comment on the perceived lack of open turnstiles."

So there we have it and I'm leaving it there but taking away the following that you may or may not agree with:-

1. I'll never get a specially organised tram to the Rust Bucket again. I know we probably all already came to that conclusion but when you think about it, it's madness. We could have all booked D-Taxi's instead......
2. The ability for SYP & SWFC to communicate with each other & act effectively on that communication was as poor in Sept as it was.....well, I don't need to say when. Leppings Lane needs condemning along with the rest of it.
3. SYP seem to have organised themselves into a problem by putting on the trams that they then couldn't manage because they allowed 10,000 (really?) wendy's to block the route. They had no Plan B and so just had to react in the best way they could.
4. wendy are just simply shit in every single department & if you believe the above, failed to respond to the SYP's information.
5. MP's are a waste of time, air & space.
6. This feels like a very special time in the history of Sheffield United. Fasten Your Seatbelts - this ride is going to be amazing.

Cheers, see you Saturday & UTB!

What a complete fuck-up they made of the entire day. None of those excuses they made wash with me one bit - the pre-match operation was chaotic and the overzealous response to the London Rd fun was worse. The fact that the police and SWFC are lying to try and get themselves out of this is just pathetic. They couldn't organise a piss-up in a drinking establishment.

How many Sheffield derbys have they had to get this right? Seriously?

 

[madeinsheffield]

They must have known from inside the ground how many were missing, we were commenting that for a sellout there were large blocks of untaken seats around us and that something was not right. Same shit, same 2 groups telling lies. Shocking behaviour.

Can they honestly say that all the planning and not one member of SYP thought there would be loads waiting in what is essentially ambush corner? They made the tram stop there last time and we then had to walk, which was risky even with kids. Why not limit numbers and move the masses on from
Hillsboro corner as they knew the non stop direct trams were coming, or were they expecting to be able to divert a tram?

 

[Hamburg Blade]

Being several hundred miles away and seeing none of it, I can still tell that his explanation is a load of bollocks. 10,000 fans - who were all presumably very late into the stadium, otherwise they wouldn't have been an issue. If a third of the fans hadn't made it into the stadium for kick off (when has that ever happend?) the kick off would definately have been delayed. So at the very latest it was clear at kick off time and the United fans could have been sent through.
The group gathering to attack the trams (he writes it badly, he clearly means a different group to the 10,000), is clearly ficticious to excuse the cock up. If they were really gathering to attack the trams and the police knew, why weren't they rounded up and arrested? Why is it alright to allow known troublemakers to gather with intent to attack people and do nothing but penalise the intended victims? And presumably they weren't in the ground for kick off either - so what sort of fans were they? Imaginery fans, I would say.
Total incompetence.

 

[@thelane]

Being several hundred miles away and seeing none of it, I can still tell that his explanation is a load of bollocks. 10,000 fans - who were all presumably very late into the stadium, otherwise they wouldn't have been an issue. If a third of the fans hadn't made it into the stadium for kick off (when has that ever happend?) the kick off would definately have been delayed. So at the very latest it was clear at kick off time and the United fans could have been sent through.
The group gathering to attack the trams (he writes it badly, he clearly means a different group to the 10,000), is clearly ficticious to excuse the cock up. If they were really gathering to attack the trams and the police knew, why weren't they rounded up and arrested? Why is it alright to allow known troublemakers to gather with intent to attack people and do nothing but penalise the intended victims? And presumably they weren't in the ground for kick off either - so what sort of fans were they? Imaginery fans, I would say.
Total incompetence.

Can we all move on now...we won !

 

[Rodley]

10,000 is a laughable figure, it truly is.

It was poor policing. They should have cleared Hillsborough corner of chavs.

 

[Addison]

Took some time but thought I'd share a summary of the responses I've had.
Safe to say - there's a bit of people pointing at others but what's evident is that the operation wasn't as well joined up or thought through as it could/should have been. And for me there are some learns in here.

I sent the SYPCC & the MP's for S2 & S6 the same e-mail raising the concerns around the tram issues, the delay at Hillsborough Corner & the turnstiles. Neither MP has even acknowledged the e-mails they received. Earning their money there then.....

The SYPCC has facilitated two responses from Temporary Chief Superintendent Shaun Morley at SYP.

Response 1 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"This operation was large-scale and incredibly complex, requiring coordination from a number of local partners.
A dedicated non-stop tram was specifically put on ....The emergency chord was pulled close to Hillsborough Corner, where groups of opposing supporters were socialising before making their way to the ground. The tram doors were forced open and those on board got off.
To ensure the safety we had to keep home and away supporters separated to prevent any potential disorder, which meant delaying some fans. This decision was taken because we knew there were people within the groups known to police, who have previously engaged in violence and disorder. They potentially posed a risk to other fans and the wider public.
It is understandable that some supporters were frustrated about the delay this caused, but our decisions were proportionate to prevent any harm coming to fans and the general public. The decision to delay a kick-off lies solely with the referee following consultation and/or advice from the club safety officer and police, and this is a decision normally based on public safety. As soon as we became aware that there would be a delay as a result of the tram being stopped, we notified the club immediately and advised that a number of supporters would be arriving late."


I replied asking for more specifics about:

• Why it took the "non-stop tram" an hour (and several unscheduled stops) to make what is usually an 11 minute journey.
• Why Hillsborough corner wasn't cleared of Wednesday fans before the arrival of the trams & fans.
• The fact that the emergency chord was pulled to relieve the increasing temperature & stuffiness having been at a halt for 10 minutes.
• Why the Police did not communicate to SWFC the fact that 500 Utd fans would be arriving late and to have the turnstiles open & ready.

Response 2 (edited to keep things brief but relevant).
"The tram travelling to Hillsborough was asked to stop only once by the police. Live intelligence was being received that a group of rival risk supporters were gathered with the intent of attacking the tram. This was then confirmed by our own observations.
There were approximately 10,000 Wednesday supporters in Hillsborough Corner. It was not necessary or possible to remove all these fans before the trams passed through that location. The issue was specifically the group that was forming, whilst the tram was travelling towards Hillsborough. Intelligence was consistently suggesting their intention to attack the tram. As the police's primary objective is the safety of the public, the decision was taken to ask the tram to stop so the issue could be resolved.
The police immediately contacted Sheffield Wednesday football club, specifically the Safety Officer, to inform them that the fans would be delayed. The information passed to the club included the numbers involved. The club were aware of this situation 20 minutes before the fans arrived at the stadium.
Additionally the turnstile arrangements at the club are the sole responsibility of the club and therefore I am unable to comment on the perceived lack of open turnstiles."

So there we have it and I'm leaving it there but taking away the following that you may or may not agree with:-

1. I'll never get a specially organised tram to the Rust Bucket again. I know we probably all already came to that conclusion but when you think about it, it's madness. We could have all booked D-Taxi's instead......
2. The ability for SYP & SWFC to communicate with each other & act effectively on that communication was as poor in Sept as it was.....well, I don't need to say when. Leppings Lane needs condemning along with the rest of it.
3. SYP seem to have organised themselves into a problem by putting on the trams that they then couldn't manage because they allowed 10,000 (really?) wendy's to block the route. They had no Plan B and so just had to react in the best way they could.
4. wendy are just simply shit in every single department & if you believe the above, failed to respond to the SYP's information.
5. MP's are a waste of time, air & space.
6. This feels like a very special time in the history of Sheffield United. Fasten Your Seatbelts - this ride is going to be amazing.

Cheers, see you Saturday & UTB!

Thank you for taking the time to do this. 10k pigs in one place, no wonder he's temporary he's already developed massiveness. More like 1k and they couldn't be arsed to move them on. Suprising this was never mentioned at the time when they were congratulating themselves on a job well done. His own officers got the tram doors opened on the first tram when a woman fainted, conveniently not mentioned. There were no such problems the following week when Weeds visited, why? because they made sure the Pigs were stopped from going down Leppings Lane as Weeds had the whole away end. Weeds trams passed through unhindered because the plod got their act together due to the previous weeks failings.

If there was intelligence that trams were going to be attacked why didn't they delay their departure 45 minutes so that they could deploy their resources clearing the area rather than splitting it between two groups. If we'd set of at 12.45 the pigs would have been up at the ground when we got to Swillsborough corner around 1 pm. That was never going to happen though was it, they were obsessed with getting us out of the pubs to minimise our drinking time. They would have been pissed off that the match started at 1.15 and not 12.15. The Superintendent had only been on the radio a few weeks earlier saying football match violence was caused by drinking thats why they favoured early kick offs. They targetted the Bankers Draft as it had been opened since 9 a.m. Their only objective was to kettle us in one place to make their lives easier.

No blade who was caught up in this is ever going to use the tram again meaning the Plod will have even less control of visiting supporters at future Derby games. SYP and SWFC not accepting any responsibility, has history not taught them anything!

 

[Hamburg Blade]

Can we all move on now...we won !

Thank you for your highly intelligent and valuable contribution.

 

[@thelane]

Thank you for your highly intelligent and valuable contribution.

You’re welcome....it’s whats needed....move on

 

[metalblade]

LOL it seems even SYP exaggerate attendances at S6, 10k at pigsboro corner hahahahaha
For anyone wanting to see what went off on Hillsborough corner just go to "The Star" facebook page and watch the video "a walk through Hillsborough on Derby Day" about 500 pigs at the most a couple of dogs would have cleared them away in 5 minutes.

 

[Sean Thornton]

You’re welcome....it’s whats needed....move on

Senior Police Officer lying? Okay.


One thing they did do on the ground was to order the gates to be opened. No Superintendent, an actual copper did it. The people running the show inside and outside did absolutely nothing about it. You'd think SYP of all people would want those inside to be clear what was happening outside. Not only is his explanation "inaccurate" it contradicts itself at least once. These are the people charged with keeping our streets safe but yet again they are only interested in protecting what little reputation they have left.

 

[Sean Thornton]

LOL it seems even SYP exaggerate attendances at S6, 10k at pigsboro corner hahahahaha
For anyone wanting to see what went off on Hillsborough corner just go to "The Star" facebook page and watch the video "a walk through Hillsborough on Derby Day" about 500 pigs at the most a couple of dogs would have cleared them away in 5 minutes.

That's how thick he is, but clearly believes we are. He wants sacking for lying.

 

[Hamburg Blade]

You’re welcome....it’s whats needed....move on

What is your problem? Really? People are discussing something they feel is important. If you don't, then fine, you don't have to read it. More importantly, telling other people that they shouldn't be discussing something that concerns them makes you look like a right twat. How about you make a genuine contribution to a serious problem that doesn't go away just because we won the football match?

 

[8lade]

What is your problem? Really? People are discussing something they feel is important. If you don't, then fine, you don't have to read it. More importantly, telling other people that they shouldn't be discussing something that concerns them makes you look like a right twat. How about you make a genuine contribution to a serious problem that doesn't go away just because we won the football match?

maybe he's OB, I mean why else?

 

[Davie Blade]

I passed on the details of this thread and explained my concerns to the Liverpool Echo editor several weeks ago.
Their response was just the same as the MPs
I fully expected the Stir to ignore the issues raised and be part of the cover up.
But it is pretty shocking after nearly 30 years on from the tragedy, no one in the MSM wants to hold the lies/incompetence of SYP and /or The Pigs to account. .

Well done GodricBlade for taking up the issue..

 

[John Street Bar]

10,000 humans (well) gathered in one area
Swillsborough corner!!
That is bollox - you wouldn’t be able to move if 100 gathered there
& like mentioned - just before kick off
As if

 

[Sean Thornton]

10,000 humans (well) gathered in one area
Swillsborough corner!!
That is bollox - you wouldn’t be able to move if 100 gathered there
& like mentioned - just before kick off
As if

All this time to come up with a plausible story and all he can come up with us that laughable crock. Unbelievable.

 

[@thelane]

Never ceases to amaze me how many people of a certain age don't know where to draw the line.

Have a drink and a sing, even spill out into the road, although out the back would have been better surely. But start harassing motorists minding their own business on a Sunday isn't high jinx, its just downright pathetic.

Couple of lads I know who were there said some of it was really unnecessary and a bit sickening.

It's alright trying to defend it but if it was our flesh and blood getting our car damaged we'd all be fuming. Likewise if this had happened at Hillsborough Corner, there would be a queue of posters as long as London Road on here calling them typical pig scumbags.

Sums it up for me.....some our fans weren’t blameless or well behaved...they were disgraceful....that’s the real reason we are over policed...some posts on here are delusional.

 

[Sean Thornton]

Sums it up for me.....some our fans weren’t blameless or well behaved...they were disgraceful....that’s the real reason we are over policed...some posts on here are delusional.

So as you've nowhere to go on the thread topic, pre match issues, you move onto after the game? This is about the Police, not Wendy hooligans.

 

[More Bladier than thou]

The story is now in the media http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...column-a-simple-sorry-would-be-nice-1-8814102 If people can send in their videos to the writer James shields he could update and follow up this story. If we don’t, syp will continue to treat us with utter contempt,they will continue to lie and won’t be held accountable. Stand up Blades and be heard !!

 

[nopigfansintown]

Sums it up for me.....some our fans weren’t blameless or well behaved...they were disgraceful....that’s the real reason we are over policed...some posts on here are delusional.

On planet earth, Sheffield Wednesday described the conduct of Blades as "excellent".

 

[super_pig]

The basic lack of communication and commonsense, which led to 96 Liverpool fans losing their lives at Hillsborough, seems to have been replicated on Sunday. This is not a minor issue to be ignored or swept under the carpet. The fact that SYP have given themselves a pat on the back for a job well done, is, frankly, staggering. This needs pursuing at the highest levels to bring those responsible to account. Thankfully no-one was injured, but the circumstances created, could have led to more serious consequences, and in future very well might.

there is an overriding trend here.. SYP are utterly incompetent

 

[8lade]

Sums it up for me.....some our fans weren’t blameless or well behaved...they were disgraceful....that’s the real reason we are over policed...some posts on here are delusional.

And for those who don't know (I'm looking at one person in particular), this is a 'strawman' (quite an obvious one though not subtle as they should be).

 

[super_pig]

@Danny04 has understandably claimed that the Derby day crush is beyond his remit, but many Star sports journalists weighed in on the Ched debate. Any response to my opening post and this debate in general Danny?
https://www.s24su.com/forum/index.p...vans-once-again-ignored-by-media.58349/page-2
Why hasn't the Star condemned the chants of the Wednesday fans re Evans on Sunday?

the Star are a set of twats and have been Wednesday biased since Pritchett retired
they are obsessed with their agenda of ‘Sheffield’s great innit!’ stories as they stand by and watch our great city go down the shitter.. no wonder noone buys it anymore

 

[stringjunior]

The story is now in the media http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/foot...column-a-simple-sorry-would-be-nice-1-8814102 If people can send in their videos to the writer James shields he could update and follow up this story. If we don’t, syp will continue to treat us with utter contempt,they will continue to lie and won’t be held accountable. Stand up Blades and be heard !!

I wonder if my link didn't work very well. I read an interesting analogy, an explanation of the analogy, and then the article stopped when it could have/should have gone much further.

Better than nothing I suppose.