What is wrong with our stewards?

[mattbianco1]

Why are they so eager for a scuffle? Yesterday we got a throw in that Bradford thought was theirs and one bloke walked out the front of the gangway. He saw all the stewards running to him so held his hands up and got back in the stand only to be ragged out by about 4 or 5 stewards. Surely some common sense should come into it. He didn't go on the pitch, he didn't approach anybody or put anybody in danger and realised immediately he was in the wrong so went back in.

When they scored the 2nd, one bloke on the front row was squashed over the railing and eventually fell over the railing, he got thrown out (along with about 8 others). It really is disgraceful.

Nathan Doyle (Bradford sub) was warming up and exchanged some words with some people down the front of the south stand. One of our fans got onto the walkway to mouth off at him and the steward calmed him down and told him to go back to his seat. The steward then went up to all the Bradford bench and had a go at them to calm the player down. If that was an away fan he wouldn't have been allowed back to his seat regardless of what went off with the player.

I really think these "bullies" need to think about throwing people out unnecessarily. I mean come on, these people are celebrating their teams goal. If they encroach the pitch then that's fair game, kick the shit out of them.

I think it is ridiculously embarrassing and I bet we get complaints all the time.

 

[Hartley Hare]

Agreed, there is nothing worse than over zealous stewarding.

Even when on occasion, one does step over the mark.

HH

 

[cahill]

Short answer is because they can and they love it. Somebody must get them pumped up before the game. To see 30 or 40 of them sprinting towards the "incident" can be quite alarming. It must be hard for the players to concentrate when these guys behave like someone's having a cardiac arrest and could die without immediate attention.

Conversely and on a more comic note the lethargy shown by the medics during the first injury incident yesterday was funny. All that was missing was a fag in the mouth whilst reading a newspaper

 

[sitwell]

I noticed that too ,the medics company are based next door to my business and Ill ask them about it tomorrow ,also what was on the stretcher they brought on ,it was comical.

 

[WhiteHawk]

I noticed that too ,the medics company are based next door to my business and Ill ask them about it tomorrow ,also what was on the stretcher they brought on ,it was comical.

That board that looked like it had a load of boxes on it? We couldn't figure out what that was either.

 

[Linz]

I clocked the same thing you did mattbianco1 and posted about it in the things to mention in the SLO meeting thread: http://www.s24su.com/forum/index.php?threads/matters-to-raise-slo-meeting-23-01-14.32682/

I've also had a chat with one of the Compass staff today who was set upon by some Bradford fans in the gangway before half time, in full view of a steward, who stood and did fuck all. And the Compass management were more concerned about the pies not being ready than 16 year old girls being threatened.

 

[boo radley]

I clocked the same thing you did mattbianco1 and posted about it in the things to mention in the SLO meeting thread: http://www.s24su.com/forum/index.php?threads/matters-to-raise-slo-meeting-23-01-14.32682/

I've also had a chat with one of the Compass staff today who was set upon by some Bradford fans in the gangway before half time, in full view of a steward, who stood and did fuck all. And the Compass management were more concerned about the pies not being ready than 16 year old girls being threatened.

On that thought Linz I would like to mention the stewards who are so keen are not so keen when it comes to turfing smokers out of the toilets in the Westfield stand. Now I ain't too bothered to be honest but it would be good to point out the contrast in behaviour that occurs in different situations.

 

[Jack Jarvis Esquire ⚔]

they are bouncers from niche

 

[grafikhaus]

Without supporting the stewards, it's obvious that getting totally pissed is all part of the 'away day experience'. As somebody has pointed out, the Port Vale fans were total scum and I certainly wouldn't fancy getting stuck in to several hundred/thousand drunken 'fans'.
Also the stewards who were stood at the front of the upper tier Bramall Lane are especially vulnerable if it kicks off and the fans charge towards the front.

 

[itsinyerblood]

they are bouncers from niche

If that's true teesideblade, the sooner these goons are shown the exit door, the better for all concerned.

Stewards, who happen to be part-time bouncers, are often short on common-sense. I once managed a club in Sheffield, so I'm familiar with the local landscape, who provides security, and who's worth employing. The club need to be notified asap. Away fans, as long as they behave themselves, are entitled to expect fair treatment from anyone employed by the club.

grafikhaus, all sound points mate, and I doubt we'll ever get an ideal situation. Under the circumstances you've described I would hope that most people would appreciate the issues raised and know what was a realistic response from the SUFC stewards.

 

[1889]

That board that looked like it had a load of boxes on it? We couldn't figure out what that was either.

Yeah, how bizarre was that, it looked like they had enough gear on there to do a triple heart by pass, I'm intrigued to know what it all was. Couldn't believe it when the fourth official held up the board with 4 minutes added time, it took them longer than that to even get over to him. Still in hindsight the officials managed to display a similar level of ineptitude all afternoon, shit even by expected refereeing standards.

 

[lawlessdan]

Short answer is because they can and they love it. Somebody must get them pumped up before the game.

I think this is a little bit harsh, I personally do security at football matches myself (mainly Man City) and a lot of the time what you see the response teams doing is what the club has told them to do. At least that is what its like at Man City. But as someone pointed out earlier it can be a nasty job to do,you saw what the Port Vale fans were like, I've had to deal with the same stuff with Real Madrid fan, Ajax and Lech Poznan to name few and some of these situations are very dangerous so a lot of what you do is instinct. Granted saying all of this I haven't seen what the response teams did on Saturday (can't really get a clear view from the kop) so of course it is very possible there were some stupid, heavy handed lads going in as you will get at all security companies from time to time. It's important to remember some of the lads and lasses will be good at their job and just want to have a trouble free shift and earn a living

 

[Sirius]

I think this is a little bit harsh, I personally do security at football matches myself (mainly Man City) and a lot of the time what you see the response teams doing is what the club has told them to do. At least that is what its like at Man City. But as someone pointed out earlier it can be a nasty job to do,you saw what the Port Vale fans were like, I've had to deal with the same stuff with Real Madrid fan, Ajax and Lech Poznan to name few and some of these situations are very dangerous so a lot of what you do is instinct. Granted saying all of this I haven't seen what the response teams did on Saturday (can't really get a clear view from the kop) so of course it is very possible there were some stupid, heavy handed lads going in as you will get at all security companies from time to time. It's important to remember some of the lads and lasses will be good at their job and just want to have a trouble free shift and earn a living

Dan, I have the impression that before you act, you are well aware that actions have consequences and that you judge the force that is needed to obtain a result accordingly.Stewards/Police, whoever, should learn; and learn quickly, that putting on a uniform or fluorescent jacket does not put them above the law. It is not an open invitation to knock seven bells out of someone for the sake of it , although at times that sort of response may be necessary. It matters not how the club want you to deal with a situation. If you over react. You could be on your own, in the dock, and that is a bloody lonely place to be.

 

[sheffielder]

they are bouncers from niche

Ice pop please

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

I noticed that too ,the medics company are based next door to my business and Ill ask them about it tomorrow ,also what was on the stretcher they brought on ,it was comical.

We said it had to be a body from the last incident they went to!

 

[Linz]

We said it had to be a body from the last incident they went to!

The theory in the South Stand was that someone had kidnapped Messi, trussed him up in a United shirt and hidden him under the sheet. That was our way of sneaking him on the pitch.

 

[dublin 10 blade]

The theory in the South Stand was that someone had kidnapped Messi, trussed him up in a United shirt and hidden him under the sheet. That was our way of sneaking him on the pitch.

So its true , whenever we sign a decent player we always turn him into shite when he plays for us then .

 

[Ted Danson]

I once got dragged out of the Kop by 7 stewards, didnt know what Id done then they accused me of the most heinous crime of drinking energy drinks. Once Id stopped pissing myself with laughter and told them I hadnt even been drinking anything.This little prick of a steward then started putting his finger in my face calling me a liar and telling me he had it all on camera and hed seen it with his own eyes. Hes lucky I didnt just chin him the way he was acting, proper little man syndrome thinking he was all that in his shitty yellow jacket. Anyway I decided I wanted to see this camera footage so put in a request to SUFC who said I had to take it up with the police who in the end wanted nothing to so with it and said Id have to get it off United instead. Made a formal complaint about it but SUFC just fobbed me off. Since then Ive had no respect for stewards, they're all just on a power trip, I think they should all go in the TWATS thread.

 

[Linz]

Anyway I decided I wanted to see this camera footage so put in a request to SUFC who said I had to take it up with the police who in the end wanted nothing to so with it and said Id have to get it off United instead. Made a formal complaint about it but SUFC just fobbed me off. Since then Ive had no respect for stewards, they're all just on a power trip, I think they should all go in the TWATS thread.

For info: http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/cctv

Not that I'd advocate taking money off the club, but they can be fined for non-compliance. I wonder if they have a Data Protection advisor.

I'm sure the Information Commissioner would be interested to hear about the .csv file they emailed out containing everyone's details of who was in the cup scheme too.

 

[Ted Danson]

For info: http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/cctv

Not that I'd advocate taking money off the club, but they can be fined for non-compliance. I wonder if they have a Data Protection advisor.

I'm sure the Information Commissioner would be interested to hear about the .csv file they emailed out containing everyone's details of who was in the cup scheme too.

Thanks for that, as it was years ago Ive calmed down now so doubt I can be bothered to chase it up. It was such a petty matter too but it was just the fact that he called me a liar and got right in my face like I was some piece of utter scum rather than a paying customer who'd done nothing wrong that really wound me up. All I really wanted was an apology from the little scrout but never got it even though I had his steward number and everything.

 

[Darren]

For info: http://ico.org.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/cctv

Not that I'd advocate taking money off the club, but they can be fined for non-compliance. I wonder if they have a Data Protection advisor.

I'm sure the Information Commissioner would be interested to hear about the .csv file they emailed out containing everyone's details of who was in the cup scheme too.

You can also sue the club. It's a particular sideline I have

 

[Linz]

You can also sue the club. It's a particular sideline I have

I wasn't going to go that far. But I think a good shaking up as to their responsibilities towards their "customers" wouldn't go amiss at times.

What with them "sharing" information on the database with Wednesday a few years back and the aforementioned lack of care when using email lists, I think they could do with being told before they end up being sued.

Ditto with the stewards. Do United still run Premier Security or whatever they're called?

 

[Darren]

I wasn't going to go that far. But I think a good shaking up as to their responsibilities towards their "customers" wouldn't go amiss at times.

What with them "sharing" information on the database with Wednesday a few years back and the aforementioned lack of care when using email lists, I think they could do with being told before they end up being sued.

Ditto with the stewards. Do United still run Premier Security or whatever they're called?

Obviously, I have to declare an interest in this, but I think it's only when the clubs start having to pay out money that they will get their stewarding act together. If supporters just shrug it off, nothing will change.

I have three cases against one club where the stewarding is dreadful and the club's attitude is "how dare anyone challenge us". On at least two of the cases, they are virtually certain to lose, but are fighting bitterly (which will just end up costing them more money).

The FSF are very interested in stewarding issues and should be the first port of call for anyone with a problem in the area (another interest to declare - they refer work to me).

 

[Linz]

I had a quick Google and our stewards in the away end are getting a reputation for being particularly hostile. Any suggestion that the stewards have been over zealous in the past has been shrugged off, but if away fans are put off coming and spending money, I'd have thought that should be a cause for concern.

EDIT: Darren is there a standard stewarding code of practice that all clubs have to agree to? If so, I'd be interested in having a wee neb.

EDIT 2: I'm assuming The Green Guide is what I'm after? http://www.safetyatsportsgrounds.org.uk/sites/default/files/publications/green-guide.pdf

 

[axel smeets]

I wasn't going to go that far. But I think a good shaking up as to their responsibilities towards their "customers" wouldn't go amiss at times.

What with them "sharing" information on the database with Wednesday a few years back and the aforementioned lack of care when using email lists, I think they could do with being told before they end up being sued.

Ditto with the stewards. Do United still run Premier Security or whatever they're called?

I seem to recall that as far back as August 2006, this must have happened. When we were waiting for the first home game against Liverpool, my parents, who were on holiday in Devon, went to Plymouth v Wolves (as the championship started a week earlier). When they bought tickets and were asked for their name and address, the guy behind the counter said 'oh, you're Sheffield United season ticket holders.'

Now, to me, unless they choose to attend a Plymouth home game and voluntarily give their home address, as they did, how on earth should Plymouth Argyle have access to their names and home address?

 

[Linz]

Hahaha... just having a read of the FA's Stadium Safety Good Practice guide. This bit is hilarious:

119. Stewards should be aware that racist and homophobic language can change over time, and that some football supporters have an aptitude to come up with new chants each season that might not seem racist, but may have racist connotations. One example of this would be calling a player a "shoe bomber" because of his apparent resemblance to a person involved in a perceived terrorist activity.

WHUT?!

 

[Bigtdunk]

It all goes down to sheffield united contracting security out to premier. IF the security worked direct for sheffield united they would have to be more careful if a claim goes against them but at the moment sheffield united would just pass it the book onto premier. That's why most security in retail, events or commercial is contracted these days. What should happen is they give the contract to a more reputable company I.e. Showsec or g4s. Then the big wig in these company's would hate a bad word against them. Another is stewards don't have to have ANY conflict management training so a lot of them panic in situations and go in all guns blazing.

 

[WhiteHawk]

I seem to recall that as far back as August 2006, this must have happened. When we were waiting for the first home game against Liverpool, my parents, who were on holiday in Devon, went to Plymouth v Wolves (as the championship started a week earlier). When they bought tickets and were asked for their name and address, the guy behind the counter said 'oh, you're Sheffield United season ticket holders.'

Now, to me, unless they choose to attend a Plymouth home game and voluntarily give their home address, as they did, how on earth should Plymouth Argyle have access to their names and home address?

I don't see a problem with this really.

A national database would weed out the idiots.

Did your parents get a ticket or were they refused?

 

[Darren]

It all goes down to sheffield united contracting security out to premier. IF the security worked direct for sheffield united they would have to be more careful if a claim goes against them but at the moment sheffield united would just pass it the book onto premier. That's why most security in retail, events or commercial is contracted these days. What should happen is they give the contract to a more reputable company I.e. Showsec or g4s. Then the big wig in these company's would hate a bad word against them. Another is stewards don't have to have ANY conflict management training so a lot of them panic in situations and go in all guns blazing.

Actually, the club I mentioned contracts out its stewarding but remains legally. liable for the actions of the said stewards. I presume it is a term of the contract.

 

[Ted Danson]

It all goes down to sheffield united contracting security out to premier. IF the security worked direct for sheffield united they would have to be more careful if a claim goes against them but at the moment sheffield united would just pass it the book onto premier. That's why most security in retail, events or commercial is contracted these days. What should happen is they give the contract to a more reputable company I.e. Showsec or g4s. Then the big wig in these company's would hate a bad word against them. Another is stewards don't have to have ANY conflict management training so a lot of them panic in situations and go in all guns blazing.

Did I read that right? someone just said group 4 was a reputable company