So, we had a disallowed goal, sending off and now "made everything up"

Think our safety officer needs to reply to this statement .

Quoted from marinernige

Think our safety officer needs to reply to this statement .

Yep - awaits with bated breath......

They must think football fans are plain thick. Look at the exert from the statement below

No incidents were recorded on the day of any inappropriate behaviour towards female supporters or young spectators. Had such incidents been either reported or flagged up, the issues would have been dealt with immediately.

The club takes these allegations seriously and will both study the CCTV footage and speak to the relevant parties to ensure that no infringements of accepted procedures took place.

So, if no incidents were recorded on the day, why are they going to study the CCTV footage and speak to the relevant parties to ensure that no infringements of accepted procedures took place?

Whatever the rights and wrongs of the liason with the club's safety officer, and lack of information forthcoming from the club to supporters about the expected searches, this statement is just trying to pull the wool over fan's eyes.

Also, given "police intelligence" that dangerous items could be given to "those less likely to be searched" just how many items did the searches reveal to be in such hands?

The whole thing will be whitewashed over by both clubs, but it looks like the Trust are obviously not trusted enough to be party to such information - which let's face it relates to the health and safety of the club's fans - and as such I would query whether or not continuing with the role in the boardroom is still warranted?

I am going out shortly, but could find plenty of holes in this statement.  And I was not even at the match.

Others can rebut the points made (in response) more effectively. The core issues have not been addressed.

After liaising with Grimsby Town’s safety officer, the police and others, it was indicated that prohibited items were likely to try to be brought into the grounds and could be passed onto those deemed less likely to be searched, such as women and younger supporters.

Especially in response to the above paragraph .

And the response only covers one aspect of the Trust letter - albeit the most important one.
People were reporting and flagging these incidents on the day. But the only people available to report these incidents to were the perpetrators or the police, who couldn't have been less interested.

I wonder if our safety officer will let the fans know exactly what 'information' he passed to Stevenage !!

Anyone who went to the game can request CCTV  to view footage from Stevenage

Could the Trust get Stevenage to let Town Fans see the CTV, I am sure under some act or other you are allowed to see it.

Although I am sure Stevenage will claim it was faulty on the day or wiped by accident.

Quoted from sapper mariner

Anyone who went to the game can request CCTV  to view footage from Stevenage

Correct but only CCTV footage that has you in it.

Kristine. They alledge  that some of the intell which prompted their actions came from our very own safety officer.  Has there been any official clarification  from. GTFC on this matter ?

No, not with the statement being released so late.

OK show the evidence that indicated that prohibited items were likely to be passed onto women and children. There must be evidence to back this up and which can stand up to challenge otherwise it is akin to the Chesterfield police making up the pub damage story. In addition any women asked to show their bra should be making a formal complaint to the police for sexual discrimination and harassment and potential assault.

The reference to any searches being recorded on CCTV then this could also be an infringement relating to use of CCTV as the use of such recording should be for the purposes of detecting and preventing crime. If there is insufficient evidence to warrant such a search then recording them is against the code of practice and can be reported to the home office and ICO

If Stevenage cannot back up their claims then they should be charged with bringing the game into disrepute and be fully investigated by the FA.

If our safety officer HAS NOT told Stevenage anything , then GTFC need to respond , if he HAS then imho he needs to resign .

So, the whitewash begins, I suppose they have been to B&Q this morning to buy a couple of tins of magnolia.

Quoted from sapper mariner

Anyone who went to the game can request CCTV  to view footage from Stevenage

Those who were searched or asked to reveal their bras can request the CCTV footage as according to the statement all searches were recorded on CCTV. So if you were searched then request the footage.

Would also ask if the police were aware that females would be asked to show their bras as even the police cannot do this in a public place where others can see..

What is it no one likes us because of our amazing away following, honestly think we should start singing,

No one likes us,
No one likes us,
We don't care,
We are Grimsby,
Super Grimsby,
From the park !!  

Quoted from OllieGTFC

What is it no one likes us because of our amazing away following, honestly think we should start singing,

No one likes us,
No one likes us,
We don't care,
We are Grimsby,
Super Grimsby,
From the park !!  

How about, NO!

Quoted from marinernige

If our safety officer HAS NOT told Stevenage anything , then GTFC need to respond , if he HAS then imho he needs to resign .

Not all. I do not like or respect the man. But if he did have intelligence, it should indeed be passed on. However, given subsequent events I would question as to how reliable his sources are.  I would be interested to know if any females or children where actually found to be carrying any prohibited items. That's proper prohibited, not sanitiser or contact lens solution!!

So, did they find any prohibited items? If not, can they ensure the other clubs are aware so that GTFC fans (particularly women and children) don’t face such prejudice in future fixtures?

If our safety officer is part of this disgraceful episode then he needs to resign. Not only has the fans reputation been severely tarnished with other clubs, it has also put us at danger in future away games especially with Mansfield up next. We need somebody who can interact with fans and show understanding and compassion, not confrontation. The chasm between the club and fans is ever widening.

What were the 'prohibited items' they were looking for in the league two game between Stevenage and Grimsby in this well known terrorism hotspot?

Quoted from Todmorden Mariner

If our safety officer is part of this disgraceful episode then he needs to resign. Not only has the fans reputation been severely tarnished with other clubs, it has also put us at danger in future away games especially with Mansfield up next. We need somebody who can interact with fans and show understanding and compassion, not confrontation. The chasm between the club and fans is ever widening.

I thought that's why we have an SLO.  It's why I asked the question on the other thread about whether a letter similar to the Trust letter was sent from the club. If it wasn't, then you can guess why. I don't know if it was ever clarified why Coventry were stopped from selling more tickets?

Wonder if there will be a fans forum in the near future ?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

I thought that's why we have an SLO.  It's why I asked the question on the other thread about whether a letter similar to the Trust letter was sent from the club. If it wasn't, then you can guess why. I don't know if it was ever clarified why Coventry were stopped from selling more tickets?

I'd be happily proved wrong on this, but no. Plenty of stuff on gtfc.co.uk encouraging you to gamble, but diddly squat about that.

Quoted from KingstonMariner

I'd be happily proved wrong on this, but no. Plenty of stuff on gtfc.co.uk encouraging you to gamble, but diddly squat about that.

Thought not.

Probably searching for Pyro's good job they did not ask Fenty lol

Quoted from sapper mariner

Anyone who went to the game can request CCTV  to view footage from Stevenage

This is very true, if they got 100 requests then that would really tie them up in knots, especially if they can't supply the footage. They would need to provide a individual  copy to each fan, and mask the faces of anyone else involved on the clip, how long would that take them?

Worth thinking about I reckon as this is a legal minefield I doubt they are on top of..

Quoted from OllieGTFC

What is it no one likes us because of our amazing away following, honestly think we should start singing,

No one likes us,
No one likes us,
We don't care,
We are Grimsby,
Super Grimsby,
From the park !!  

Oh dear. ::) ::) ::)

It's Stevenage saying they received info from our safety officer and they haven't exactly been above board so far. Also, if he did supply them with info, we don't know what the info was and whether he had any say in the way Stevenage chose to react to that info. He may well have told them true info and what they chose to do with it was out of his hands, so let's not hang him just yet shall we.

Not saying whether he is or isn't innocent in all this but we can't assume he is guilty of anything either.

What about the photos of the female steward in the men shitter don't they count??  

Quoted from ginnywings

It's Stevenage saying they received info from our safety officer and they haven't exactly been above board so far. Also, if he did supply them with info, we don't know what the info was and whether he had any say in the way Stevenage chose to react to that info. He may well have told them true info and what they chose to do with it was out of his hands, so let's not hang him just yet shall we.

Not saying whether he is or isn't innocent in all this but we can't assume he is guilty of anything either.

Accepting the fact that Stevenage are not likely to come out with a confession that they f%*ked up, they are equally unlikely to make a statement relating to our safety officer without decent evidence to back it up - they are in sh1t up to their neck already.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

This is very true, if they got 100 requests then that would really tie them up in knots, especially if they can't supply the footage. They would need to provide a individual  copy to each fan, and mask the faces of anyone else involved on the clip, how long would that take them?

Worth thinking about I reckon as this is a legal minefield I doubt they are on top of..

Thinking about it, did they have any notices making the usual statements about the use of CCTV and where to request footage? If they didn't that in itself could be a breach of the regs (my knowledge on that could well be out of date).

How many people were arrested due to disorder at Chesterfield by the way? Surely if disorder has took place then arrests will have been made right. I wouldn't dream of accusing the police of lieing though as they always tell the truth.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

This is very true, if they got 100 requests then that would really tie them up in knots, especially if they can't supply the footage. They would need to provide a individual  copy to each fan, and mask the faces of anyone else involved on the clip, how long would that take them?

Worth thinking about I reckon as this is a legal minefield I doubt they are on top of..

https://www.gov.uk/request-cctv-footage-of-yourself

if anyone is interested in going down that route

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Accepting the fact that Stevenage are not likely to come out with a confession that they f%*ked up, they are equally unlikely to make a statement relating to our safety officer without decent evidence to back it up - they are in sh1t up to their neck already.

True, but we don't know what the info was, only that they say he supplied some. People are assuming it was detrimental to our fans and calling for his head. It may well have been but nobody knows for sure.

GTFC response -                   https://www.grimsby-townfc.co.uk/news/2017/august/stewarding-at-stevanage/

Short and sweet and straight to the point.
Choke on that Stevenage.

Fair play to GTFC

What I don't understand is if it was the other way round, ie Stevenage fans complaining of similar treatment at BP, the response on here compared to the shite spouted on Borochat would be one of shock, concern and wanting to get to the bottom of the complaint.

The talk is on their forum of how our fans were like animals re last season's visit. I was there last season and have never seen 1400 fans be less vocal or boisterous. Everyone was in shock at how poor the performance was. There was no hooligan element there last year and no chance they'd turn up this year or any other year. God knows what the reaction would be if they actually turned up in numbers one year.

The recurring theme is clubs that have spent most of their history in non-league still operate that way in their thinking. Problems with stewarding occurring at clubs like Stevenage, Cheltenham and FGR are no coincidence. Three tinpot clubs who to this day have never seen a GTFC hooligan firm inside any one of their grounds and still can't get it right..

"Finger of blame pointed" that's an absolute cracker. Leaves no doubt who's written that. Fair play to the club for batting it back to Stevenage though.

Raises the question that appears to have been the club (stevenage) itself that outlined the approach to take and as such must be investigated and whether they should face sanctions if proven.

If the Stevenage hierarchy thought their statement would end the matter, I think they should now have realised that, if anything, they have only made things worse. Not only have they sought to defend the indefensible, but they have also blatantly failed to acknowledge the impact of their actions on several hundred paying customers. If those are the actions of a friendly club, then I wouldn't wish an unfriendly one on my worst enemy.

I have also had correspondence with a representative of the FSF this evening who told me she was "outraged" (her word, not mine) at the Stevenage statement and options for action are being considered.

Fair play to the club. Hope the League throw the book at Stevenage but suspect they won't.

Quoted from Bigdog

What I don't understand is if it was the other way round, ie Stevenage fans complaining of similar treatment at BP, the response on here compared to the shite spouted on Borochat would be one of shock, concern and wanting to get to the bottom of the complaint.

The talk is on their forum of how our fans were like animals re last season's visit. I was there last season and have never seen 1400 fans be less vocal or boisterous. Everyone was in shock at how poor the performance was. There was no hooligan element there last year and no chance they'd turn up this year or any other year. God knows what the reaction would be if they actually turned up in numbers one year.

The recurring theme is clubs that have spent most of their history in non-league still operate that way in their thinking. Problems with stewarding occurring at clubs like Stevenage, Cheltenham and FGR are no coincidence. Three tinpot clubs who to this day have never seen a GTFC hooligan firm inside any one of their grounds and still can't get it right..

This for me is so bloody frustrating I have no problem calling out the club when we are wrong (and as I do, I feel the need to add their statement is a good one and they are doing the right thing by us in my view)

The tribalism of Stevenage fans blaming us for non existent trouble last year and at Chesterfield to defend the clubs actions is ridiculous.  The club messed up here, not the fans and we are all fans so they should be standing with us.  It doesn't change the fact they won on the day and thoroughly deserved to if you criticise your stewarding team and stadium officials.  Until fans learn to stick together we will be picked off by police forces unfairly tarnishing us.

Quoted from Caesar

This for me is so bloody frustrating I have no problem calling out the club when we are wrong (and as I do, I feel the need to add their statement is a good one and they are doing the right thing by us in my view)

The tribalism of Stevenage fans blaming us for non existent trouble last year and at Chesterfield to defend the clubs actions is ridiculous.  The club messed up here, not the fans and we are all fans so they should be standing with us.  It doesn't change the fact they won on the day and thoroughly deserved to if you criticise your stewarding team and stadium officials.  Until fans learn to stick together we will be picked off by police forces unfairly tarnishing us.

I put that down to the fact the Stevenage fans are amongst this new breed of happy clappers who have no idea what passionate support and history of a football Club means.The sooner the likes of Wrexham,Orient (through gritted teeth Tranmere and H`pool) get there acts together and rejoin us and Lincoln in the football league and replace FGR,Stevenage,Cheltenham and Crawley the better.

I've always said this leagues full of dross non league clubs that bring no value (or away fans ) to the table.
Stevenage are one of them

Reading various social media a lot of other fans from
League 2 clubs are saying they won't be attending Stevenage away.

Just seen this on the Trust's Facebook.

"We've been made aware that Chairman Jon Wood and Vice Chair Paul Savage have been quoted in a story in today's The Sun newspaper. Neither Jon nor Paul spoke to any reporter of The Sun, nor did we send a copy of our open letter to them. We believe they have taken our quotes from other publication's interviews. The Mariners Trust will not speak to the newspaper on any issue either now or in the future. #JFT96"

Predictable behavior from such a shiterag ran by Murdoch.

While we could do well without the SUN intruding, if it's an 'open' letter I don't see it a much of a problem. I took a quick look (ugh..i'll shower straight away) and there's a photo of the female steward in the toilet amongst the reports....awful, horrible negative stuff for them, it gets worse by the hour, regardless of the media outlet.

Page four of the Guardian today. Nearly choked on my cornflakes!

Quoted from jock dock tower

Page four of the Guardian today. Nearly choked on my cornflakes!

At least you weren't on page three of the Sun.... I take it you know why cornflakes were invented Jock?   ;)

I've borrowed this from the Lincoln vital website.

Even police must take a suspect to a police station to conduct an intimate search.

http://www.spiritofshankly.com/representation/legal-briefing-for-supporters

Quoted from mimma

I've borrowed this from the Lincoln vital website.

Even police must take a suspect to a police station to conduct an intimate search.

http://www.spiritofshankly.com/representation/legal-briefing-for-supporters

They're up $hit Creek without a paddle, canoe or any sort of clue aren't they?

They're in a tough situation, made tougher by their poor attempt at a response yesterday.

Apologies for the lengthy post but I used to work in a PR team and these are my thoughts/observations on the story.

In all my time working in that PR team I only had one occasion when the story went national (much in the way this has).

We weren't able to cope with all the phone calls, emails and requests for info. I learnt a lot from that experience and so far I'm seeing Stevenage make the same mistakes.

Firstly, don't take ages to reply. At the very least, act quickly, show you're working fast. Even if you can't say much, just tell people you're taking it seriously and looking into it. NEVER attempt to point the finger at anyone else, even if you think you have fair reason to.

The EFL pretty much did this with their statement. It was more of a holding statement but it's what was required.

The national media are relentless (particularly the Daily Mail). We had people sitting outside our offices, writing down number plates of cars parked outside, threats of doorstepping and all sorts.

Not saying Stevenage will have to deal with that, but basically I'd be surprised if they're able to cope alone with this. They'll probably need support from an external PR agency, which will cost them a bit.

Basically I think they underestimated how far we'd take this. Massively. We're not just a few football fans whinging on social media - as a collective we're a force to be reckoned with. The Trust has done excellent work bringing this story to the attention of football fans across the country. It's a much wider issue than just being 'over-frisked' by bully stewards.

It's generally good practice not to share your complaint with the media until after you've given the 'accused' a chance to reply.

However, in this instance, I have no sympathy. Stevenage didn't give our fans a chance to enjoy the match - a match we paid good money to see - so they can lump it. Why should we treat them with respect when they showed us none?

The thing about this case is that the damage is done. I'm not suggesting the Trust and others involved can put their feet up, because they shouldn't. What I mean is, in most people's eyes, Stevenage now have a reputation for dodgy stewarding because of the media coverage.

Mud sticks - as we know from Derbyshire Police's account of so-called damage we didn't cause in Chesterfield.

Also, if any CCTV footage comes out that shows stewards feeling female supporters' bras, then that's their reputation damaged HUGELY. Because under no circumstances is it ever reasonable to check bras as part of security checks at football matches.

Airports, maybe. Police arrests, yes - in certain protective conditions. Once any image of any bra touching sees the light of day, well, I'd rather not be Stevenage's safety officer, let's put it like that.

If children were searched did the person ask the parents permission and do they have an up to date background check.

If they do not have either then they are acting illegally

I'd love to see that CCTV footage, because we know exactly what it will show.

Rich is right - I also work in PR and I knew when that letter went out, what would happen. And I can tell you now for free, the Trust isn't letting this rest. If Stevenage aren't taking it seriously, they're in for a shock.

Quoted from bax

Rich is right - I also work in PR and I knew when that letter went out, what would happen. And I can tell you now for free, the Trust isn't letting this rest. If Stevenage aren't taking it seriously, they're in for a shock.

Excellent work!

Trust aren't resting, I'm not resting, FSF won't rest and I'm sure the club will look to reach the correct conclusion too.

Quoted from Kristine

Trust aren't resting, I'm not resting, FSF won't rest and I'm sure the club will look to reach the correct conclusion too.

Good to hear!!

Is the end game an unreserved apology?

Quoted from RichMariner

They're in a tough situation, made tougher by their poor attempt at a response yesterday.

Apologies for the lengthy post but I used to work in a PR team and these are my thoughts/observations on the story.

In all my time working in that PR team I only had one occasion when the story went national (much in the way this has).

We weren't able to cope with all the phone calls, emails and requests for info. I learnt a lot from that experience and so far I'm seeing Stevenage make the same mistakes.

Firstly, don't take ages to reply. At the very least, act quickly, show you're working fast. Even if you can't say much, just tell people you're taking it seriously and looking into it. NEVER attempt to point the finger at anyone else, even if you think you have fair reason to.

The EFL pretty much did this with their statement. It was more of a holding statement but it's what was required.

The national media are relentless (particularly the Daily Mail). We had people sitting outside our offices, writing down number plates of cars parked outside, threats of doorstepping and all sorts.

Not saying Stevenage will have to deal with that, but basically I'd be surprised if they're able to cope alone with this. They'll probably need support from an external PR agency, which will cost them a bit.

Basically I think they underestimated how far we'd take this. Massively. We're not just a few football fans whinging on social media - as a collective we're a force to be reckoned with. The Trust has done excellent work bringing this story to the attention of football fans across the country. It's a much wider issue than just being 'over-frisked' by bully stewards.

It's generally good practice not to share your complaint with the media until after you've given the 'accused' a chance to reply.

However, in this instance, I have no sympathy. Stevenage didn't give our fans a chance to enjoy the match - a match we paid good money to see - so they can lump it. Why should we treat them with respect when they showed us none?

The thing about this case is that the damage is done. I'm not suggesting the Trust and others involved can put their feet up, because they shouldn't. What I mean is, in most people's eyes, Stevenage now have a reputation for dodgy stewarding because of the media coverage.

Mud sticks - as we know from Derbyshire Police's account of so-called damage we didn't cause in Chesterfield.

Also, if any CCTV footage comes out that shows stewards feeling female supporters' bras, then that's their reputation damaged HUGELY. Because under no circumstances is it ever reasonable to check bras as part of security checks at football matches.

Airports, maybe. Police arrests, yes - in certain protective conditions. Once any image of any bra touching sees the light of day, well, I'd rather not be Stevenage's safety officer, let's put it like that.

Good post.........

Couple of things for me,

1 Has anyone spoken to the likes of the SLOs at Pompy, Barnet, Luton, Cambridge and Colchester who would have all taken good gates to Stevenage did they get the same treatment?

2 All it would have taken to move this forward would have been a magnanimous approach from Steveange in their media releases something like "we are looking into it and if we have done wrong it will be fixed" but no it appears that they want to be your typical Billy big balls Southerners and tough it out.

Great to see that Kristine and The Trust etc... are not allowing this to drop.

UTM!!!.  


  

One of the aims will be an apology yes.

I have spoken to a couple of SLO's yes and both confirm stewarding issues although not to the scale or like that we had.

Quoted from Kristine

One of the aims will be an apology yes.

I have spoken to a couple of SLO's yes and both confirm stewarding issues although not to the scale or like that we had.

Than you Kristine, have you recovered from that pillock on Twitter calling you "sweet cheeks" on Twitter earlier?

hahaha, think that was last night.  Cheered me up bless him......

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Than you Kristine, have you recovered from that pillock on Twitter calling you "sweet cheeks" on Twitter earlier?

Are you apologising to Pompy (sic) who will not be going to Stevenage as they're in a different league?  ;)

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Are you apologising to Pompy (sic) who will not be going to Stevenage as they're in a different league?  ;)

I ave not got a clue what you mean?

Quoted from MuddyWaters

Are you apologising to Pompy (sic) who will not be going to Stevenage as they're in a different league?  ;)

The post was about last year's gates as it says "would have taken good followings" We're the only away following they've had this year.

I was chatting to a lincoln fan about this and he told me that when they play away there the guys are going to do dress up as women.

Good on them if it happens

Quoted from topuphere666

I was chatting to a lincoln fan about this and he told me that when they play away there the guys are going to do dress up as women.

Good on them if it happens

They do that on any given weekend.

A post script to Bra-gate:

2 or 3 years a 13 or 14 year old girl was arrested by the police and was interviewed with the intention of giving her formal caution.  The offence:  just larking around and "pinging" the rear bra strap of a classmate.  The police interpreted it as a sexual offence (which it was not).  A formal caution would have been on her criminal record.

There was a nation outcry and the police eventually applied common sense and let her off.

What happened at Stevenage was more systematic and serious of infringing personal liberties etc etc.

As I have said earlier, this whole episode will be washed under the carpet and be allowed to disappear, sorry the trust and Kristine but the league and other authorities want the end of this. As a postscript has the Coventry saga ever been officially explained?

What a set of w@nkers!

Stevenage not the Trust BTW.

Surely when they take gate money from spectators they have a duty of care and that extends to handling complaints in a straightforward manner.
Simply replying that they will only discuss matters with GTFC alone and that the response must remain private is simply not acceptable.

I hope GTFC tell them to do one and state they must start taking some responsibility

Quoted from Cloudy

Surely when they take gate money from spectators they have a duty of care and that extends to handling complaints in a straightforward manner.
Simply replying that they will only discuss matters with GTFC alone and that the response must remain private is simply not acceptable.

I hope GTFC tell them to do one and state they must start taking some responsibility

Fully agree but like Gaffer58 states it will be probably be swept under the carpet.
GTFC's response and actions will be interesting here-lets see how they will represent their paying customers............

In any walk of life, if you make a complaint to any company then surely you should be afforded the courtesy of a personal reply at least.

Another case of football fans being treated differently to everyone else.

Very poor by Stevenage IMO.

They haven't responded to my complaint via e-mail as my daughter was one of the girls asked about her bra, I am off on Friday so I might just take a walk down there to say hello.

So feels to me like the powers that be a GTFC could do themselves a few favors with the fans "IF" their response defends the loyal supporters who spend their hard earned cash H&A, but then again could totally disengage many by not defending us.

To be fair to GTFC they shouldn't rush a reply on this one. They need to get it right.
But they do need to be seen to be on our side. This isn't a bunch of lads moaning about stewards or police. These are women, children and men that have been treated appallingly.  I sincerely hope that the club don't allow this to go unchecked. The fact that Stevenage haven't the common decency to apologise to those affected speaks volumes. A disgrace of a club.

This is John Fenty's big chance to recover some lost ground in his relationship with the fans. John, please tell Stevenage where to go!

Call me cynical, but the only reason GTFC got involved in the first place was because Stevenage laid the blame on GTFC.  

Trust is part of the club
Stevenage you are a disgrace

Quoted from sydney

Trust is part of the club
Stevenage you are a disgrace

I wonder if Stevenage realise that when they say they will not speak to GTFC that they could well be discussing it with Jon Wood, club director and temporary chair of the Trust! ;D

I'm pretty sure you're rights as an individual have nothing to do with the club. Whilst we are supporters of GTFC, the club itself does not represent us in a matter such as this.

In matters such as this affected fans were paying customers at Stevenage Borough who are normally paying customers at Grimsby Town. Anyone who has complained is entitled to a response and should report the matter to the police (those who were asked to show bras) seeing as Stevenage have declined to engage on this. Engaging with the club is not enough.

If that is there stance then surely any individuals can be contacted via the trust and recommended to make official complaints direct to Herts Police ?

Quoted from moosey_club

If that is there stance then surely any individuals can be contacted via the trust and recommended to make official complaints direct to Herts Police ?

I don't know why they all haven't made a complaint to the police or some law company has not contacted them to represent them as a group.

I personally think that GTFC need to come out fighting on this in defence of the Town fans who made the trip and where treated with such disrespect

For Stevenage to only want to engage in confidential discussions is a massive insult and also a complete cop out. They clearly don't understand that the Trust is acting on behalf of many GTFC fans and in the best interest of supporters

Come on getyourfactsstraight show some balls in defence of those that have spent £1,000s over the years following the team through thick and far too often recently thin.

It wouldn't be a matter for a solicitor to get involved in. It would simply entail a straightforward allegation to Hertfordshire Police of  a sexual offence. It would then be the absolute duty of the police to investigate the matter, gather evidence, and , if the CPS agreed, to charge the perpetrators. The FA have said that they are determined to deal with any cases of historic sexual abuse, and I simply cannot understand why they aren't dealing with this current case.The law has been broken; it's simple IMO. Imagine if, in the light of the terrible events in Manchester, female fans  at a future  pop concert were asked to undress, There would be an outcry and a serious investigation.

Agree Reverend. The law has been broken but it seems football fans don't get the same protection as other citizens. Things like this are one of the reasons i stopped going to away games. Was sick of being treated like a criminal, when i have never broken a law in my life.

Quoted from ginnywings

Agree Reverend. The law has been broken but it seems football fans don't get the same protection as other citizens. Things like this are one of the reasons i stopped going to away games. Was sick of being treated like a criminal, when i have never broken a law in my life.

I bet you've driven over 70 on a motorway.  ;)

Quoted from Les Brechin

I bet you've driven over 70 on a motorway.  ;)

Nope.

So your the twit holding everybody up on the inside lane.  ;) ;)

Quoted from Mrs Doyle

So your the twit holding everybody up on the inside lane.  ;) ;)

A middle lane hogger I reckon.  :)

Hilarious........!!!

When all this kicked off Stevenage asked for all our issues/complaints to be emailed to them, below after numerous reminders from me this was their response,

"Thank you for your views which have been noted. The Club has responded to all issues made by Grimsby Town FC supporters directly to the EFL and the SLO of Grimsby Town FC in what it believes to be the correct protocol between EFL clubs. Please refer to GTFC should you require any further information".

Looks like they have taken tin pot to a new level!!

The EFL, Stevanage and it saddens me to say this but also GTFC want this to go away, and the various obstacles that are springing up may mean they get their wish. The only way I see any conclusion that would suit the fans was if an individual was prepared to make an official complaint to Herts police stating sexual harassment, the police are scared stiff of appearing to ignore these type of complaints, but after this length of time I doubt this will now happen. So we all, and every supporter in general have to accept that attending a football match mean that you can be treated worse than an animal and your human rights are non existent.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Hilarious........!!!

When all this kicked off Stevenage asked for all our issues/complaints to be emailed to them, below after numerous reminders from me this was their response,

"Thank you for your views which have been noted. The Club has responded to all issues made by Grimsby Town FC supporters directly to the EFL and the SLO of Grimsby Town FC in what it believes to be the correct protocol between EFL clubs. Please refer to GTFC should you require any further information".

Looks like they have taken tin pot to a new level!!

Hang on if you personally have complained to them personally you are entitled to a direct response surely?

I wouldn't expect Sainsbury's to tell me to go to Asda for a response to my complaint

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Hilarious........!!!

When all this kicked off Stevenage asked for all our issues/complaints to be emailed to them, below after numerous reminders from me this was their response,

"Thank you for your views which have been noted. The Club has responded to all issues made by Grimsby Town FC supporters directly to the EFL and the SLO of Grimsby Town FC in what it believes to be the correct protocol between EFL clubs. Please refer to GTFC should you require any further information".

Looks like they have taken tin pot to a new level!!

I received exactly the same response this afternoon. I am currently drafting a reply and will be making all relevant bodies aware of Stevenage FC's continuing refusal to take this matter seriously.

So what if you were a neutral but just happened to have a ticket for the away area, you have no affiliation or I would guess want GTFC to be your point of call. Just because you were in that particular stand does not necessarily make you a GTFC supporter.

IS IT NOT TIME FOR MR FENTY TO INFORM US OF HIS POSITION IN THIS is he backing the fans of GTFC

Apologies if this has been confirmed or not but, didn't Stevanage state that it was information from a GTFC official that initiated the searches, has this been confirmed or denied?

Quoted from Gaffer58

The EFL, Stevanage and it saddens me to say this but also GTFC want this to go away, and the various obstacles that are springing up may mean they get their wish. The only way I see any conclusion that would suit the fans was if an individual was prepared to make an official complaint to Herts police stating sexual harassment, the police are scared stiff of appearing to ignore these type of complaints, but after this length of time I doubt this will now happen. So we all, and every supporter in general have to accept that attending a football match mean that you can be treated worse than an animal and your human rights are non existent.

We don't have to accept that at all and nor should we. I returned home late last night after attending all five days of the Headingley Test match. Each morning, as I went through the security checks and bag searches, I was greeted courteously by staff who carried out their duties efficiently and professionally. If Stevenage learned from this experience and improved the standard of their stewarding, I would consider that a success. However, I fear there is still an institutional culture within authority that seeks to treat football supporters as criminals or hooligans. The game has broadly moved on from the 1980s. It's a shame many of those who hold power don't appear to have done the same.

More broadly, though, I think our cause is helped by other cases of fans being wrongly treated, as appears to have been the case at Bournemouth at the weekend. The more we protest, the more we ensure we cannot be ignored. I personally have joined the Football Supporters Federation following the Stevenage debacle and I would urge all other Town fans to do the same.

Quoted from HertsGTFC

Hilarious........!!!

When all this kicked off Stevenage asked for all our issues/complaints to be emailed to them, below after numerous reminders from me this was their response,

"Thank you for your views which have been noted. The Club has responded to all issues made by Grimsby Town FC supporters directly to the EFL and the SLO of Grimsby Town FC in what it believes to be the correct protocol between EFL clubs. Please refer to GTFC should you require any further information".

Looks like they have taken tin pot to a new level!!

So it looks like Kristine has the formal response. I assume they don't know she is also a Trust board member.

I guess the response is being looked into with the view of formal leagal action.

Stevenage Bournemouth
Tinpot

The silence from Fenty Towers is deafening. Time to stand up and be counted John.

Due to Stevenages approach to searching womens Bra's they have got a new theme tune as a club anthem.



What is JF doing about how our fans have been treated, are you not bothered Fenty?

There are probably people out there who think that Grimbarians admire the houses down Bragate.

I am not 'in the know' by any means. But I am guessing that the silence so far from Kristine, GTFC etc could be a good thing.  It's far too big to be ignored and to be fair, Kristine has kept us informed up to now. I would hope that things are moving behind the scenes and given the stance from Stevenage they would probably threaten some kind of legal action if we make public accusations without substance.  Therefore caution in any public statement would be advised. We have all seen what happens when we rush our PR dept. It's not always wise.  I would give the club at least till the end of the week as they may well be seeking legal advice.  This is total supposition on my part. I have no connection with anyone involved, but it seems like common sense to me.

Totally agree Civvy with exception of 'our PR .dept'.

We don't have one!!

Quoted from EY Mariner

I received exactly the same response this afternoon. I am currently drafting a reply and will be making all relevant bodies aware of Stevenage FC's continuing refusal to take this matter seriously.

I have a response that can be sent in reply if you would like it?

Quoted from Gaffer58

Apologies if this has been confirmed or not but, didn't Stevanage state that it was information from a GTFC official that initiated the searches, has this been confirmed or denied?

Denied - No information came from GTFC that would have led to the searches carried out.

Quoted from Civvy at last

I am not 'in the know' by any means. But I am guessing that the silence so far from Kristine, GTFC etc could be a good thing.  It's far too big to be ignored and to be fair, Kristine has kept us informed up to now. I would hope that things are moving behind the scenes and given the stance from Stevenage they would probably threaten some kind of legal action if we make public accusations without substance.  Therefore caution in any public statement would be advised. We have all seen what happens when we rush our PR dept. It's not always wise.  I would give the club at least till the end of the week as they may well be seeking legal advice.  This is total supposition on my part. I have no connection with anyone involved, but it seems like common sense to me.

The response was sent directly to me and as far as I'm aware me alone. I politely asked the home club if this could be made public, this was declined. Things have to be done correctly and I have put my thoughts across in order for this to be overcome.   While it may seem like nothing is happening I can assure you all that it is, I am still literally in dialogue with FSF everyday in some form and them the EFL.  

    

Quoted from Kristine

The response was sent directly to me and as far as I'm aware me alone. I politely asked the home club if this could be made public, this was declined. Things have to be done correctly and I have put my thoughts across in order for this to be overcome.   While it may seem like nothing is happening I can assure you all that it is, I am still literally in dialogue with FSF everyday in some form and them the EFL.  

    

Which is pretty much as I'd hoped and thought (and said in my post). I understand the need for discretion Kristine but your post above is all that is needed to reassure the fans and hopefully keep them off the clubs back.