Nottinghamshire Police

Was nobody else miffed by their shoddy handling of the situation prematch?

I arrived from Skegness to Mansfield around 10:20. I asked to leave the station which was a no, then to go to the toilet (I genuinely needed to go having left my home at 6:45) - also a no. I was told in uncertain terms to go and join the other Town fans herded up down the platform. I then thought, I'll hang back, as I was alone, and try and go into town when everyone else has been taken away so to speak. No. The police officer who I tried to plead with said "all Grimsby fans are idiots" which I denied, he responded with "it only takes a minority to cause a lot of trouble". We arrived at a closed ground having to stand in a retail car park for 10-20 minutes until they opened it. Terrible policing - antagonised everyone, treated like a presumed criminal, no civil liberties - absolutely pathetic. Really spoilt my day.

I tweeted the FSF to which, disappointingly, I had no reply.

Although I didn't travel by train I had no issue with stewards or police on the day.

Quoted from Paris Mariner

Was nobody else miffed by their shoddy handling of the situation prematch?

I arrived from Skegness to Mansfield around 10:20. I asked to leave the station which was a no, then to go to the toilet (I genuinely needed to go having left my home at 6:45) - also a no. I was told in uncertain terms to go and join the other Town fans herded up down the platform. I then thought, I'll hang back, as I was alone, and try and go into town when everyone else has been taken away so to speak. No. The police officer who I tried to plead with said "all Grimsby fans are idiots" which I denied, he responded with "it only takes a minority to cause a lot of trouble". We arrived at a closed ground having to stand in a retail car park for 10-20 minutes until they opened it. Terrible policing - antagonised everyone, treated like a presumed criminal, no civil liberties - absolutely pathetic. Really spoilt my day.

I tweeted the FSF to which, disappointingly, I had no reply.

Tweet it to Nottinghamshire police's account , I doubt anything will come of it but at least it'll embarrass the arseholes thats as long as they don't delete it

Unfortunately for you just a few weeks ago we were also on their patch and that minority they referred to ran around the local area seeking trouble..they also travelled by train that day.....only going to be one outcome from that, hence the fairly large police presence and the several film crews fixed on the crowds before during and after.

Their primary concern is keeping law and order...when i arrived yesterday and walked to the ground they had also done the same with their little element and had them closely under escort.

I found the officers I met after the Notts County game to be courteous and pleasant, though I don't think the issues are confined to that particular force.

Policing at the Luton game was a tad over the top, and there was some poor communication after the game on the subject of the courtesy-bus to the station, which I don't think was down to malice from individual officers, but an institutional suspicion of football supporters across the country.  I recommend you all fill in the FSF Away fans' survey and give special mention to policing as the FSF are focusing on this a lot at the moment.

We see the same thing in the attitudes towards supporters travelling by train or coach, in treating games as pubic order flashpoints rather than sporting events and in a high-handed communication style that looks more like the giving of orders rather than a dialogue.

I hope the Trust and their SLO can seek to open a dialogue with Police Forces for upcoming games to educate them about our fanbase and flag where there have been previous problems so they can be eliminated by good planning.  It would probably be wise to start planning already for Doncaster, since South Yorkshire Police have a poor track record and may have preconceptions about our fans based on pre-season and intel from Notts Police.  Also, we'll likely be bringing 3,000 so don't want a situation where police overkill ruins the day for the vast majority by imposing heavy-handed kettling on trains, escorted route-marches, hooli-buses and city centre lockdowns.

Quoted from HackneyHaddock

I found the officers I met after the Notts County game to be courteous and pleasant, though I don't think the issues are confined to that particular force.

Policing at the Luton game was a tad over the top, and there was some poor communication after the game on the subject of the courtesy-bus to the station, which I don't think was down to malice from individual officers, but an institutional suspicion of football supporters across the country.  I recommend you all fill in the FSF Away fans' survey and give special mention to policing as the FSF are focusing on this a lot at the moment.

We see the same thing in the attitudes towards supporters travelling by train or coach, in treating games as pubic order flashpoints rather than sporting events and in a high-handed communication style that looks more like the giving of orders rather than a dialogue.

I hope the Trust and their SLO can seek to open a dialogue with Police Forces for upcoming games to educate them about our fanbase and flag where there have been previous problems so they can be eliminated by good planning.  It would probably be wise to start planning already for Doncaster, since South Yorkshire Police have a poor track record and may have preconceptions about our fans based on pre-season and intel from Notts Police.  Also, we'll likely be bringing 3,000 so don't want a situation where police overkill ruins the day for the vast majority by imposing heavy-handed kettling on trains, escorted route-marches, hooli-buses and city centre lockdowns.

Just reading about the Wrexham Chester game which was a "bubble match" this weekend....apparently the only bubble fixture still in existence.....sounds like it completely killed the fixture for supporters and police are now considering removing the classification.

Our experience was very different.  We said how friendly they were and had a good sense of humour.  Clearly the Police at the train station were different.

Police at Notts County were brilliant from my experience. Asked two constables and a sergeant where the nearest Town pub was and they answered in a civil manner and wished us well for the day.

Seemed a completely different atmosphere at Mansfield - one of our party had the contents of his sandwich searched! They gave the "we have intelligence" spiel as the reason. It seems as though the Mansfield FLO isn't well liked by their fanbase much.

Was there even any "trouble" other than their firm of five telling the Town fans that they'd be/been running in the ground? Seemed like total overkill that will no doubt been seen as a success for Notts Police.

The best account to tweet over any issues over the weekend is FSF_Faircop.

The GTFC SLO is in constant contact with FSF over Saturday and going forward over various matters.

Stewards were all well mannered yesterday and had no problems. All the police were well mannered other than two males who were stood on the stairs after the second half and were very unhelpful. I don't expect to be treat like royalty however some manners wouldn't go a miss especially when you try explaining that I can't sit in my allocated seat as when I stand I was obstructing other people's views and when I sit I couldn't see the game for myself. Instead of trying to help he threatened to eject me from the stadium if I didn't get to my seat. Luckily the stewards were more helpful and found me a seat.

It's a difficult one for the police.

I had no issues with the policing at Mansfield myself. There was a very visible presence for sure but i didnt see any over the top policing.

I appreciate as a law abiding fan the OP would be unhappy at his treatment upon arriving at the train station.  I am sure i would feel the same.

But the main priority for the police is to maintain order and protect public safety. If you are unfortunate enough to arrive at the same time as a large group of fans they simply arent going to let them all go on their merry  way into a town centre. You can go on about civil liberties etc but once again it is a case of the actions of the few ruining it for the rest.

Fact is despite Town's fantastic away following there is an element (albeit a minority) of idiots/morons who do look for trouble and have built up a bit of a reputation (of which I am sure they are very proud). When a large group arrives together the police arent going to go through them all one by one and say you can go on your way but the next person is  identified as a hooligan and stopped.

Unfair but that's the way it is. I have experienced this in the past on my travels with Town and Man City. You like to think as a society we have moved on from all that but we clearly havent.

And if you are going to stand there and say Town fans are not like that then youre deluded. We have more than our fair share.

police were excellent I thought.

Quoted from moosey_club

Unfortunately for you just a few weeks ago we were also on their patch and that minority they referred to ran around the local area seeking trouble..they also travelled by train that day.....only going to be one outcome from that, hence the fairly large police presence and the several film crews fixed on the crowds before during and after.

Their primary concern is keeping law and order...when i arrived yesterday and walked to the ground they had also done the same with their little element and had them closely under escort.

I was fortunate enough to arrive at Mansfield station at 9.20 having only travelled from Nottingham. I was the only Town fan on the train and had no colours on so just walked past the large contigent of police on the station. I can back up what you say about their naughty element who were all cooped up in or outside Wetherspoon's with plenty of cameras on them. I'd gone for a breakfast at The Swan but it didn't open...along with just about all the other pubs. Any Town fans who were spotted heading into the town were turned away. When the Mansfield fans left they were escorted to the ground. Speaking to others who went by train it seems there was overkill but from the police perspective they will point to a very sucessful operation. I sincerely hope that a way can be found to discriminate between those who simply want to go to a game of football and those who do not. I will not however be holding m breath.

I honestly think it is an incredibly hard job to do, and dont envy them. It is highly frustrating when youre cattle herded about, but then when you hear some of the abuse aimed at the police, and the way some of our fans act, I do feel there is little else they can do. It has to be remembered that for the average non football fan walking down the street, it can be very intimidating seeing that minority causing trouble, which in turn leads to the demonisation of all football fans. I think we need to be less directing our anger towards the police than to those individuals who force the police's hand.

I think the stewarding before the games is getting ridiculous. I was in the ground early, and watched as people queued to get in. Whatever your age you were searched - patted down do they call it - and to see young and old getting patted down and bags searched doesn't feel British. We were trying to get into Field Mill not Downing Street.

They didn't pat down females while I was watching, which begs the question why? Either we are all suspects or don't bother at all.

I am sure they are under instruction but does wearing a fluorescent jacket give you carte blanche to search somebody from top to toe?

I was not searched at all.

Quoted from Tinymariner

I was not searched at all.

Perhaps they didn't see you  

Quoted from Paris Mariner

Was nobody else miffed by their shoddy handling of the situation prematch?

I arrived from Skegness to Mansfield around 10:20. I asked to leave the station which was a no, then to go to the toilet (I genuinely needed to go having left my home at 6:45) - also a no. I was told in uncertain terms to go and join the other Town fans herded up down the platform. I then thought, I'll hang back, as I was alone, and try and go into town when everyone else has been taken away so to speak. No. The police officer who I tried to plead with said "all Grimsby fans are idiots" which I denied, he responded with "it only takes a minority to cause a lot of trouble". We arrived at a closed ground having to stand in a retail car park for 10-20 minutes until they opened it. Terrible policing - antagonised everyone, treated like a presumed criminal, no civil liberties - absolutely pathetic. Really spoilt my day.

I tweeted the FSF to which, disappointingly, I had no reply.

If it was me in that situation, I'd make a formal complaint about the officer's attitude. I've only had the need to complain about an officer's behaviour towards me once but I would not hesitate to do so again.

Must have cost a fair bit in overtime for the old bill

Funny you should say this because I had exactly the same problem! I got the 06:28 train from GY and arrived shortly before your train.

I tried to break free from the group of Town fans at the station to go for a wee and I was walking over, Officer 458 (probably same one as you) then walked infront of me. I then asked him politely to move, explaining I needed the toilet.

He then stated that if I walked past him I would be arrested on the spot! I couldn't believe it. Obviously I wanted to see the game so just took his collar number and joined the group of Town fans and went to the ground.

I tweeted @FSF_Faircop who would like to speak to me tomorrow about the situation.

Shame about the whole thing is, I was speaking to a copper in the ground who was criticising the organisation of the whole thing and was horrified when I told him what happened earlier.

But hey ho, we're all trouble causers just because we watch football aren't we...

Quoted from LH

Police at Notts County were brilliant from my experience. Asked two constables and a sergeant where the nearest Town pub was and they answered in a civil manner and wished us well for the day.

Seemed a completely different atmosphere at Mansfield - one of our party had the contents of his sandwich searched! They gave the "we have intelligence" spiel as the reason. It seems as though the Mansfield FLO isn't well liked by their fanbase much.

Was there even any "trouble" other than their firm of five telling the Town fans that they'd be/been running in the ground? Seemed like total overkill that will no doubt been seen as a success for Notts Police.

Didn't they know it's tampons not sandwiches? Or had they thought he'd said 'smoke bomb' when he said he had smokey bacon in his sarney?

I get all the public order stuff, but necessarily antagonising people does't help. How difficult would it be to let someone go to the bog!

The worst thought about going to Donny in December is it's on miner-beating, paedophile-protecting, lying-about-dead-football-fans South Yorks Police's patch.

There intelligence from Wycombe away would of been , somebody ignited a green smoke bomb in the stadium and the rest suffer.............. Thanks green smoke bomber. Glad you had fun

Quoted from lew chaterleys lover

I think the stewarding before the games is getting ridiculous. I was in the ground early, and watched as people queued to get in. Whatever your age you were searched - patted down do they call it - and to see young and old getting patted down and bags searched doesn't feel British. We were trying to get into Field Mill not Downing Street.

They didn't pat down females while I was watching, which begs the question why? Either we are all suspects or don't bother at all.

I am sure they are under instruction but does wearing a fluorescent jacket give you carte blanche to search somebody from top to toe?

Obviously not heard that pyrotechnics are the new tampon.

I got talking to one policeman and he even admitted that the amount of coppers was ridiculous, he also said he didn't understand why it was an early kick off

I saw 8 police officers escorting , 2 police vans slowly moving alongside a group of 10 town fans.... it did seem
a little over the top... as for being searched... I dont have a problem with it .  Me , the young lady and  9 year old Tom had a
frisk and bag search... lasted about 30 seconds... having worked in security at 2 international airports I fully
understand why this is done... people dont complain when theyre off on a plane... and with what SOME people want to take into football grounds , its perfectly understandable... I thought during the game , and afterwards... the police were well
mannered both in the ground and at the station... a good afternoon out...

Quoted from N2K

Funny you should say this because I had exactly the same problem! I got the 06:28 train from GY and arrived shortly before your train.

I tried to break free from the group of Town fans at the station to go for a wee and I was walking over, Officer 458 (probably same one as you) then walked infront of me. I then asked him politely to move, explaining I needed the toilet.

He then stated that if I walked past him I would be arrested on the spot! I couldn't believe it. Obviously I wanted to see the game so just took his collar number and joined the group of Town fans and went to the ground.

I tweeted @FSF_Faircop who would like to speak to me tomorrow about the situation.

Shame about the whole thing is, I was speaking to a copper in the ground who was criticising the organisation of the whole thing and was horrified when I told him what happened earlier.

But hey ho, we're all trouble causers just because we watch football aren't we...

Well worth videoing the police in that sort of situation. I've seen officers attitude change when they know they're accountable for their actions. It always surprises me when there's middle class outrage when protesters are kettled in London. That sort of thing goes on every weekend up and down the country at football and no-one seems to do anything about it.

Quoted from Vance Warner

Well worth videoing the police in that sort of situation. I've seen officers attitude change when they know they're accountable for their actions. It always surprises me when there's middle class outrage when protesters are kettled in London. That sort of thing goes on every weekend up and down the country at football and no-one seems to do anything about it.

I was about to record him and ask him "would I be arrested if I go to the toilet" but literally as I reached for my pocket, Town fans got ushered on. Definitely going to be recording from the start from now on.

Quoted from Paris Mariner

Was nobody else miffed by their shoddy handling of the situation prematch?

I arrived from Skegness to Mansfield around 10:20. I asked to leave the station which was a no, then to go to the toilet (I genuinely needed to go having left my home at 6:45) - also a no. I was told in uncertain terms to go and join the other Town fans herded up down the platform. I then thought, I'll hang back, as I was alone, and try and go into town when everyone else has been taken away so to speak. No. The police officer who I tried to plead with said "all Grimsby fans are idiots" which I denied, he responded with "it only takes a minority to cause a lot of trouble". We arrived at a closed ground having to stand in a retail car park for 10-20 minutes until they opened it. Terrible policing - antagonised everyone, treated like a presumed criminal, no civil liberties - absolutely pathetic. Really spoilt my day.

I tweeted the FSF to which, disappointingly, I had no reply.

You should have p!ssed down his leg.

Quoted from arryarryarry

You should have p!ssed down his leg.

or alternatively.........used the toilet on the train during the journey ??

Have you ever tried having a urine on a moving train Moosey? The urine ends up everywhere apart from in the toilet

Quoted from moosey_club

or alternatively.........used the toilet on the train during the journey ??

The toilet on the train I got from Nottingham to Mansfield did not have a toilet.

Quoted from Paris Mariner

The toilet on the train I got from Nottingham to Mansfield did not have a toilet.

I think it may just have been a cupboard rather than a toilet then.

Quoted from moosey_club

or alternatively.........used the toilet on the train during the journey ??

Still no excuse not to be allowed to use the one at the station !!

Quoted from psgmariner

I think it may just have been a cupboard rather than a toilet then.

There was no toilet but a bloke sat at a seat with a load of controls in front of him. He wasn't happy when his back got wet.

Quoted from Davec

Have you ever tried having a urine on a moving train Moosey? The urine ends up everywhere apart from in the toilet

You could always sit down....jeez...is it any wonder people get treated like a neanderthal if they cant figure out how to use a WC without p1ssing all over the walls ??
Hardly a job for a NASA employee is it?

If the train didnt have a loo then obviously all of the above is irrelevant....but thats where the away day 500ml  lucozade bottle comes in handy  

Sit down and catch all those germs, Lord only knows what people has been doing on that seat

I'd love to have seen the charge sheet had you been arrested. Overtaking plod to get to the nearest public urinal, don't see how he could possibly have done so, but I understand there are idiotic police as well as some fans. Oh for the days of non league policing when fans were treated in the main as human beings.

Quoted from Paris Mariner

Was nobody else miffed by their shoddy handling of the situation prematch?

I arrived from Skegness to Mansfield around 10:20. I asked to leave the station which was a no, then to go to the toilet (I genuinely needed to go having left my home at 6:45) - also a no. I was told in uncertain terms to go and join the other Town fans herded up down the platform. I then thought, I'll hang back, as I was alone, and try and go into town when everyone else has been taken away so to speak. No. The police officer who I tried to plead with said "all Grimsby fans are idiots" which I denied, he responded with "it only takes a minority to cause a lot of trouble". We arrived at a closed ground having to stand in a retail car park for 10-20 minutes until they opened it. Terrible policing - antagonised everyone, treated like a presumed criminal, no civil liberties - absolutely pathetic. Really spoilt my day.

I tweeted the FSF to which, disappointingly, I had no reply.

Where the train station BTP or Notts Constabulary?

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Where the train station BTP or Notts Constabulary?

All the ones I saw were Notts.

Quoted from Paris Mariner

All the ones I saw were Notts.

Interesting.... I spoke to one after the final whistle had gone who told me our support was "impressive". I think that sadly everyone is treated the same way on the back of the actions of a minority.

Quoted from Davec

Have you ever tried having a urine on a moving train Moosey? The urine ends up everywhere apart from in the toilet

Strange !  my missus never has that problem.