Press Release
07 September 2007
British Transport Police compile league table of most rowdy football fans
Manchester United, Chelsea and Leeds United are the top three worst clubs in the country for rowdy and violent fans, reports Jane’s Police Review.
Jane’s Police Review has learnt that the British Transport Police (BTP) compiles a weekly league table of crime and disorder carried out by supporters travelling to and from football matches around the country.
DC Graham Naughton, the force's lead football intelligence officer, who compiles the weekly list, told Jane’s Police Review that Manchester United, Chelsea and Leeds United were 'most likely' to appear on the table throughout the season.
He said that the tables detail incidents of disorder, assaults on officers and racial and sexual abuse by fans travelling on the Tube and trains, which he then distributes to BTP officers and other forces.
Supt (acting) Graham Bamford, who oversees operations in the force’s north west area, where there are 23 football teams, said policing rowdy football fans was a ‘massive concern’.
“It literally costs millions over the course of the season,” said Supt (acting) Bamford, adding, “A match between Bolton and Manchester United would be hugely problematic for us as there is a history between these clubs. And they are only 12 miles apart, so there is a concentration of fans in the area. It will take up a lot of resources and BTP will not get any recompense for this.”
“If Manchester United is playing in London we would have to take two sergeants and 12 officers out with them and who will come back with them? These officers are doing 12 hour shifts, are being taken away from other duties and we do not see a penny back.”
Last week Andy Trotter, BTP deputy chief constable, told Jane’s Police Review he was concerned there were not enough resources in the force's budget to continue ferrying 'foul and abusive' fans to and from football matches, while continuing to carry out its normal duties.
A spokesman for Leeds United FC said it was unlikely that the club would be contributing any money to the force, and made no further comment. Manchester United was unavailable to comment at the time Jane’s Police Review went to press. Chelsea Football Club declined to comment. (ENDS)
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