Lads in court re Pompey game

[GenevaSaint]

I see the Echo has gone quiet on reporting that at least one of the accused had beem found not guilty. Typcial of the rag.

[Thedelldays]

I see the Echo has gone quiet on reporting that at least one of the accused had beem found not guilty. Typcial of the rag.

 

I thought the Echo was the bastion of free speech...when it comes to anything SFC?

[Dan]

Good to hear the lads got off. Finally a bit of common sense, for such as petty crime.

 

I see worse in town on a Saturday night.

 

To all those Saints fans that want others sent down, banned etc. Have a look at yourself, your true scum in my eyes.

[Colinjb]

To all those Saints fans that want others sent down, banned etc. Have a look at yourself, your true scum in my eyes.

 

If they where guilty then we have every right to want them brought to account. People who search out trouble deserve no sympathy whatsoever.

 

They have been proven innocent though, and as such there is no longer an axe to grind.

Edited 11 November, 2010 by Colinjb

[RedAndWhite91]

Good to hear the lads got off. Finally a bit of common sense, for such as petty crime.

 

I see worse in town on a Saturday night.

 

To all those Saints fans that want others sent down, banned etc. Have a look at yourself, your true scum in my eyes.

 

Agreed.

[saintjay77]

If they where guilty then we have every right to want them brought to account. People who search out trouble deserve no sympathy whatsoever.

 

They have been proven innocent though, and as such there is no longer an axe to grind.

 

Only one has been proved innocent though I think? The rest pleaded guilty so I guess they accepted that the charges against them fitted what they did? The other may have thought that they got the wrong person so stood his corner and won. Thats fair enough and IMO if he was close enough to any wrong doing for the Police to nab him, next time he is in a similar situation he may think its worth standing a few more steps away from any loons out for trouble.

 

If he did nothing wrong and has been proved innocent then brilliant. It shows the legal system does work.

If he was a bit more 50/50 and more involved than he should have been but got away with it then I hope he has learnt a lesson that doesnt get him into trouble in future.

If he was guilty as sin and got away with it then he is as lucky as pompey but again I hope he has learnt a few lessons on what to do next time.

 

Im guessing many more people have taken notice though and if there is another derby with a fence I would be suprised if anyone thinks shaking it or throwing things is as good an idea as it was last time.

[saintjay77]

Good to hear the lads got off. Finally a bit of common sense, for such as petty crime.

 

I see worse in town on a Saturday night.

 

To all those Saints fans that want others sent down, banned etc. Have a look at yourself, your true scum in my eyes.

 

 

Bit of a difference in that when in town on a night out there will not be many 10 year olds that manage to get caught up in any trouble.

 

you go throwing coins or anything else into a crowd that includes women, children and OAP's then you only have to look in the mirror to see scum in any eyes.

[Vershinin]

I don't know anything about this case but, from what I read and hear from people there seems to have been more to this than meets the eye. So I have to ask this question, while not condoning any alleged unlawful acts.

 

Were these men the people who the Police were actually after or were they minnows, away from the real action and because the police had no clue they needed to tick boxes for the Police unit to justify the money expended on it?

 

I think thats bang on m8. Police stitching these guys up because they failed to capture any real troublemakers. ****ing glad they got off, no thanks the ****ing echo for releasing their names and addresses before getting off. Still can't get over so many other Saints fans getting high and mighty over fellow fans. Looking forward to having these boys back for Peterbrough and Brighton, i bet they actually have some passion and make some noise at games.

[saintjay77]

I think thats bang on m8. Police stitching these guys up because they failed to capture any real troublemakers. ****ing glad they got off, no thanks the ****ing echo for releasing their names and addresses before getting off. Still can't get over so many other Saints fans getting high and mighty over fellow fans. Looking forward to having these boys back for Peterbrough and Brighton, i bet they actually have some passion and make some noise at games.

 

1 got off by taking it to a Jury. The rest pleaded guilty so they obviously thought they did somit wrong. Just cause they are saints fans seems to make some people think they should be supported no matter what??

 

What if some guy in a saints shirt rapes your mum? OK cause he a Saints fan?????

 

If you do something against the law in front of the Old Bill with Camera's then you have a good chance of getting nicked! Why is that so hard for some people to grasp? lol

[Vershinin]

1 got off by taking it to a Jury. The rest pleaded guilty so they obviously thought they did somit wrong. Just cause they are saints fans seems to make some people think they should be supported no matter what??

 

What if some guy in a saints shirt rapes your mum? OK cause he a Saints fan?????

 

If you do something against the law in front of the Old Bill with Camera's then you have a good chance of getting nicked! Why is that so hard for some people to grasp? lol

 

I'd have thought judging by your reaction that you'd watched them **** your mum. As i have said before you'd hope if they were doing something that horrendous the old bill would have stopped them rather than just stood there filming. I wasn't there but it sounds like the police stitched some of them up thanks to their own failings. I don't think people should get off just because they are Saints but i'd be more inclined to go with innocent until proven guilty rather than getting a high horse.

[Smirking_Saint]

Good to hear the lads got off. Finally a bit of common sense, for such as petty crime.

 

I see worse in town on a Saturday night.

 

To all those Saints fans that want others sent down, banned etc. Have a look at yourself, your true scum in my eyes.

 

Obviously though if these people caused some sort of bigger action, where the pompey lot rushed the saints lot or visa versa and your innocent child, wife, mate whatever was caught in the middle and seriously injured you would be fine with it all, just because they are saints fans ??

 

This sort of post mates me laugh, let them off because they are saints fans lol

 

Saints fans or not if your a mong your a mong.

[saintjay77]

I'd have thought judging by your reaction that you'd watched them **** your mum. As i have said before you'd hope if they were doing something that horrendous the old bill would have stopped them rather than just stood there filming. I wasn't there but it sounds like the police stitched some of them up thanks to their own failings. I don't think people should get off just because they are Saints but i'd be more inclined to go with innocent until proven guilty rather than getting a high horse.

 

How you came to that I will never know but what ever.

 

The Police reacted to the situation fairly well i thought. Had they gone charging in whacking people with sticks for shaking a fence then it would have quickly turned into a riot.

 

Some idiots did a few things wrong and the police got it on camera. they followed it up with taking action in a way that it didnt cause a major riot where hundreds of innocent people could have got caught in the middle getting hurt.

 

Or are you saying they should have done nothing about it at all? Its OK to lob coins into a crowd of people including women, kids and OAP's? Shaking a fence sounds pretty lame but what if everyone joined in and got through the fence? Shaking it had some intent to do something did it not? If not why shake it? Your in a hostile crowd and someone has a bright idea to get through the fence its supprising how many will follow. Look at how many legged it accross the garage forcourt. Prob only a handful of them actually wanted to get involved but loads followed suit to be close to the action.

 

Next time people might think a bit more about the boundries in place and stick to them. And if they dont then they can expect the police to follow up with their jobs and give them a 5 o'clock knock!

[RedAndWhite91]

How you came to that I will never know but what ever.

 

The Police reacted to the situation fairly well i thought. Had they gone charging in whacking people with sticks for shaking a fence then it would have quickly turned into a riot.

 

Some idiots did a few things wrong and the police got it on camera. they followed it up with taking action in a way that it didnt cause a major riot where hundreds of innocent people could have got caught in the middle getting hurt.

 

Or are you saying they should have done nothing about it at all? Its OK to lob coins into a crowd of people including women, kids and OAP's? Shaking a fence sounds pretty lame but what if everyone joined in and got through the fence? Shaking it had some intent to do something did it not? If not why shake it? Your in a hostile crowd and someone has a bright idea to get through the fence its supprising how many will follow. Look at how many legged it accross the garage forcourt. Prob only a handful of them actually wanted to get involved but loads followed suit to be close to the action.

 

Next time people might think a bit more about the boundries in place and stick to them. And if they dont then they can expect the police to follow up with their jobs and give them a 5 o'clock knock!

 

I know lads who got a truncheon across the legs, saw a copper on a horse punch the top of some blokes head...

[saintjay77]

I know lads who got a truncheon across the legs, saw a copper on a horse punch the top of some blokes head...

 

Bet you wish you had a camera at the time like wot the police had.

 

EDIT:

Actually where did you see that happening? The saints side of the fence or while charging accross the garage forcourt?

 

My old man came out of the stadium and happily walked the same way he has always walked back home along with shed loads of other saints fans all wanting to get home feeling pretty crap about the result. No bashing from the old bill, no horse man punching him anywhere and he didnt end up in the paper or in court for shaking of any fence either.

 

Strange that init.

Edited 11 November, 2010 by saintjay77

[RedAndWhite91]

Bet you wish you had a camera at the time like wot the police had.

 

EDIT:

Actually where did you see that happening? The saints side of the fence or while charging accross the garage forcourt?

 

My old man came out of the stadium and happily walked the same way he has always walked back home along with shed loads of other saints fans all wanting to get home feeling pretty crap about the result. No bashing from the old bill, no horse man punching him anywhere and he didnt end up in the paper or in court for shaking of any fence either.

 

Strange that init.

 

I was at the garage and that's where it happened.

 

Good on your old man, that's exactly why I don't see the validity of people saying "what if innocent women, children and OAPs get caught up". If you want to avoid it all its easily avoidable, just like your old man did.

[benjii]

If one or some of the accused whose pictures the Echo (or any other paper) published have been found not guilty then the Echo (or any other paper, see above) has a moral duty to post a story equally as prominent to that effect (unless the people involved have asked them not to) in my opinion.

[saintjay77]

I was at the garage and that's where it happened.

 

Good on your old man, that's exactly why I don't see the validity of people saying "what if innocent women, children and OAPs get caught up". If you want to avoid it all its easily avoidable, just like your old man did.

 

So those lobbing coins or wing mirrors from the cars on the forcourt only did so into the crowd that didnt want to avoid it right? The ones that wanted to avoid trouble somehow made themselves into another crowd that made it obvious they were just wanting to get home?

 

Wasnt there a report somewhere a while back going on about the type of people that got hit in the skate crowd? Prolly dramatised it a bit but I didnt see knobs like W******d being mentioned much.

 

How you can justify acting like a pillock in a situation that was only made worse by the fans that didnt respect the boundries drawn up is beyond me.

[The Kraken]

If one or some of the accused whose pictures the Echo (or any other paper) published have been found not guilty then the Echo (or any other paper, see above) has a moral duty to post a story equally as prominent to that effect (unless the people involved have asked them not to) in my opinion.

 

There's a whole page feature in today's Echo about the two fans who have been found not guilty. What more do you want?

[The Kraken]

I see the Echo has gone quiet on reporting that at least one of the accused had beem found not guilty. Typcial of the rag.

 

See above. Having a whole page devoted to a not-guilty verdict is hardly going quiet, is it?

[saintdaz]

i no this is old but well worth a read.

based on the docks strike of 1984 and the mythical strike of the 1930's that never actually existed, do we have more of a right to call pompey scummers than the other way round?

see:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2005/jan/23/newsstory.sport8

[saintjay77]

There's a whole page feature in today's Echo about the two fans who have been found not guilty. What more do you want?

 

I thought it was only 1 that were found not guilty so thanks for the info.

 

Think its the right thing for the paper to do after being so public about them in the 1st hand. Not the same as not going public in the 1st place but better than nothing i guess.

[The Kraken]

I thought it was only 1 that were found not guilty so thanks for the info.

 

Think its the right thing for the paper to do after being so public about them in the 1st hand. Not the same as not going public in the 1st place but better than nothing i guess.

 

I agree that names, addresses etc shouldn't be published, as it's the thorough reverse of "innocent until proven guilty". But still, it is the law and all newspapers do it, so it's not as if the Echo are being unethical about it. And they're giving fair column space to both sides of the trial argument (the judge's comments refer to the lack of evidence surrounding the two non-guilty individuals, so much so that he ordered the jury to find them non-guilty as there was no case to answer).

 

The trial is still underway for the other 3, so reading between the lines the evidence against them is perhaps more substantial.

[dune]

I agree that names, addresses etc shouldn't be published, as it's the thorough reverse of "innocent until proven guilty". But still, it is the law and all newspapers do it, so it's not as if the Echo are being unethical about it. And they're giving fair column space to both sides of the trial argument (the judge's comments refer to the lack of evidence surrounding the two non-guilty individuals, so much so that he ordered the jury to find them non-guilty as there was no case to answer).

 

The trial is still underway for the other 3, so reading between the lines the evidence against them is perhaps more substantial.

 

Serios questions need to asked of the CPS for bringing those found not guilty to court. It's tax payers money that has been wasted. I was on jury service a few years back and the case I was supposed to get was against some scruffy marxist animal rights activists. Needless to say i'd have found them guilty, but the the CPS dropped the case at the last minute because of lack of evidence. I expect this happens all the time and in my view those bringing these cases to court are no better than Incapacity Benifits slobs wasting my taxes.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

Serios questions need to asked of the CPS for bringing those found not guilty to court. It's tax payers money that has been wasted. I was on jury service a few years back and the case I was supposed to get was against some scruffy marxist animal rights activists. Needless to say i'd have found them guilty, but the the CPS dropped the case at the last minute because of lack of evidence. I expect this happens all the time and in my view those bringing these cases to court are no better than Incapacity Benifits slobs wasting my taxes.

 

Jurors should have an open mind and only consider the evidence before them. At jury selection your leanings may well have given you away, as indeed, you just can't help yourself.

[Toomer]

The bottom line is the police and club got it wrong, the Pompey fans should have been kept in the ground for 15 - 30 mins the same as we were on our last two visits to Notarf. Lets hope lessons have been learnt so when we meet them next season (fingers crossed) the decision makers will decide in the interst of public saftey and order to keep them in the ground for a period of time as it only takes a dozen or so to spark scenes like we had last season.

[Barry the Badger]

I don't completely buy the "you can avoid trouble if you don't want it" argument. As if that makes it ok because it's easy to avoid.

 

I left the game with my cousin, we walked through town to grab a take away coffee (to sober up) and then headed up towards the station (I live in shirley). Were walking along minding our own business when some lads ran past us trying to goad the pompey fans who were being escorted to the station.

 

Pompey fans started throwing stuff and we were bundled along with these lads down the hill towards toys r us. It was hardly life threatening but demonstrates my point, it is quite easy to get caught up in this stuff even if you're just trying to get home.

 

So to say the only people who are in those areas are ones who want to get involved is wrong.

[70's Mike]

The bottom line is the police and club got it wrong, the Pompey fans should have been kept in the ground for 15 - 30 mins the same as we were on our last two visits to Notarf. Lets hope lessons have been learnt so when we meet them next season (fingers crossed) the decision makers will decide in the interst of public saftey and order to keep them in the ground for a period of time as it only takes a dozen or so to spark scenes like we had last season.

 

Totally agree Pete

Police tactics were wrong as they were against Bournemouth and will be against Brighton

[Toadhall Saint]

Totally agree Pete

Police tactics were wrong as they were against Bournemouth and will be against Brighton

 

The police tactics are designed to let things happen then film then nick. So they will carry on letting the fans out at the same time - which will in the end cause more bother and potentially some one could get killed - probably an innocent bystander a la back in the 80's v's WHU at the Dell.

[The Majestic Channon]

The police tactics are designed to let things happen then film then nick. So they will carry on letting the fans out at the same time - which will in the end cause more bother and potentially some one could get killed - probably an innocent bystander a la back in the 80's v's WHU at the Dell.

 

I remember that, an old boy got caught up in the afters in archers road, got knocked over banged his head on the pavement ( i think) and died. And i agree about the police tactics too, they even guided skates all the way to the joiners knowing full well saints lads were in there.Backfired though.

[benjii]

There's a whole page feature in today's Echo about the two fans who have been found not guilty. What more do you want?

 

No more than that. That sounds fine.

[GenevaSaint]

See above. Having a whole page devoted to a not-guilty verdict is hardly going quiet, is it?

 

I don't ever get the physical paper, I only read the internet version. Can't see the story on there.

[saintjay77]

The bottom line is the police and club got it wrong, the Pompey fans should have been kept in the ground for 15 - 30 mins the same as we were on our last two visits to Notarf. Lets hope lessons have been learnt so when we meet them next season (fingers crossed) the decision makers will decide in the interst of public saftey and order to keep them in the ground for a period of time as it only takes a dozen or so to spark scenes like we had last season.

 

The Police tried something different in order to get rid of the fans ASAP. There was no major incedents so in their view it was probably a success and they may still consider it an option for future derby's.

 

With all the fuss over people shaking fences ending up in court I guess they will think there will be even less chance of a serious incedent if they were to do the same again.

 

And why should football matches be controlled by what a few numptys might get up too? The majority of fans are people that want to watch the footy and get home safe. The minority can fook off.

[rooney]

The Police tried something different in order to get rid of the fans ASAP. There was no major incedents so in their view it was probably a success and they may still consider it an option for future derby's.

 

With all the fuss over people shaking fences ending up in court I guess they will think there will be even less chance of a serious incedent if they were to do the same again.

 

And why should football matches be controlled by what a few numptys might get up too? The majority of fans are people that want to watch the footy and get home safe. The minority can fook off.

 

Absolutely.Well said that man.

[Toadhall Saint]

I remember that, an old boy got caught up in the afters in archers road, got knocked over banged his head on the pavement ( i think) and died. And i agree about the police tactics too, they even guided skates all the way to the joiners knowing full well saints lads were in there.Backfired though.

 

I was stood right next to him when it all kicked off - not very pleasant.

 

As to the Joiners - I've always wondered why the OB led them there? Doesn't take a brain surgeon to work it out. Pity the OB can't get done for incitment isn't it?

[Rowan Gorilla 5]

The police are in no way, shape or form to blame for any of this. The only people culpable are those that were incapable of exercising rational thought and behaving themselves.

[EastleighSoulBoy]

The police are in no way, shape or form to blame for any of this. The only people culpable are those that were incapable of exercising rational thought and behaving themselves.

 

That may be the case but, in our society, there are some who are incapable of exercising restraint. So why let it get to that stage? Why not keep the away fans in at times such as this? We were kept in at nottarf after the games, while their fans 'improved' Goldsmith Ave. Why couldn't they have been kept in? Letting them out only aggravated the situation.

[The Kraken]

That may be the case but, in our society, there are some who are incapable of exercising restraint. So why let it get to that stage? Why not keep the away fans in at times such as this? We were kept in at nottarf after the games, while their fans 'improved' Goldsmith Ave. Why couldn't they have been kept in? Letting them out only aggravated the situation.

 

Its been mentioned before, but the whole erection of the fence was done so that they didn't have to keep the fans in. Remember the Pompey games at Fratton and keeping the fans in was not really a solution, as hundreds waited around anyway to chuck all manner of bricks, stones etc. In restrospect the fenceline didn't work perfectly this time, but keeping the Pompey fans in would have had no guarantee of success either. Its a sad state of affairs when a whole wall of police plus a big f*ck off fence are deemed insufficient prevention of trouble, and the blame is laid solely at the feet of the police.

[chocco boxo]

Its been mentioned before, but the whole erection of the fence was done so that they didn't have to keep the fans in. Remember the Pompey games at Fratton and keeping the fans in was not really a solution, as hundreds waited around anyway to chuck all manner of bricks, stones etc. In restrospect the fenceline didn't work perfectly this time, but keeping the Pompey fans in would have had no guarantee of success either. Its a sad state of affairs when a whole wall of police plus a big f*ck off fence are deemed insufficient prevention of trouble, and the blame is laid solely at the feet of the police.[/QUTE]

 

Cardiff vrs Swansea last sunday....Swansea kept in for nearly 30 mins. TOTAL ARRESTS 5 . including 2 who ran on pitch. SOUTH WALES OLD BILL 1 HAMPSHIRE OLD BILL 0.

[The Kraken]

Cardiff vrs Swansea last sunday....Swansea kept in for nearly 30 mins. TOTAL ARRESTS 5 . including 2 who ran on pitch. SOUTH WALES OLD BILL 1 HAMPSHIRE OLD BILL 0.

 

Yes, I'm not disagreeing that it does work in some instances. But I've been in games before, including Alan Knight's testimonial (a bloody friendly) at Fratton when we were held in for what seemed like an hour and then subjected to a near riot along Goldsmith Avenue. And again similar stuff when in the PL on away games at Fratton, when we were kept in.

 

If significant numbers of home fans are going to wait around come what may until the away end gets turfed out (as has been the case), whether it be for an hour or whatever, then there's not a lot you can do. I do think Pompey should have been kept in, but the erection of a sizeable fence was used instead as an alternative method (perhaps because the police knew that keeping in fans afterwards had failed before).

[dune]

re holding fans in versus letting all out at the same time i agree with Hants Constabularys approach. The welfare of the majority is more important than protecting those with short fuses from themselves. By letting everyone out at the same time it enables the majority to blend in with each other and not stand out like a sore thumb.

 

I hope Hants police continue with the current policy.

[Denzil]

The police are in no way, shape or form to blame for any of this. The only people culpable are those that were incapable of exercising rational thought and behaving themselves.

 

If you say so officer.

[St Chalet]

A reminder to keep it on topic and keep it civil please. This is clearly an emotive subject with diverse views, which is fine, the need to throw personal insults into the mix isn't.

[saintjay77]

Its been mentioned before, but the whole erection of the fence was done so that they didn't have to keep the fans in. Remember the Pompey games at Fratton and keeping the fans in was not really a solution, as hundreds waited around anyway to chuck all manner of bricks, stones etc. In restrospect the fenceline didn't work perfectly this time, but keeping the Pompey fans in would have had no guarantee of success either. Its a sad state of affairs when a whole wall of police plus a big f*ck off fence are deemed insufficient prevention of trouble, and the blame is laid solely at the feet of the police.

 

Exactly! It's pretty bad to fork out money on the cost of all the extra policing and fencing just to stop the few idiots getting themselves into trouble anyway. So the argument that keeps coming back on it all being the old bills fault is laughable.

 

It might not have been the best solution and it might never get tried again. But keeping fans in isn't the best solution either so until football can ditch the violence that follows it I suppose the old bill will keep evolving how they deal with the supporters.

 

I still think mixed crowds are the answer but not sure I would make the call if it were my decision?

[dune]

One possible answer is to take draconian measures like when Blackburn played Burnley. Make Saints v Pompey travel club only for away fans then there is no chance of any incidents involving those who attended the match and you could hold away fans in for say 30 minutes until the exits to the coaches were made safe.

 

I wouldn't want this, but I can see this being seriously considered.

[explorer saint]

Yes, I'm not disagreeing that it does work in some instances. But I've been in games before, including Alan Knight's testimonial (a bloody friendly) at Fratton when we were held in for what seemed like an hour and then subjected to a near riot along Goldsmith Avenue. And again similar stuff when in the PL on away games at Fratton, when we were kept in.

 

If significant numbers of home fans are going to wait around come what may until the away end gets turfed out (as has been the case), whether it be for an hour or whatever, then there's not a lot you can do. I do think Pompey should have been kept in, but the erection of a sizeable fence was used instead as an alternative method (perhaps because the police knew that keeping in fans afterwards had failed before).

 

Knighs testimonial was a long time ago police tactics have changed since then, they could of saved themselevs and a lot of innocents a lot of hassel by keeping the pompey in. The police got it wrong and won't admit it, perhaps they can start to target another sector of society to get their figures up now

[aintforever]

As the plod said about the student thing - it's their job to keep law and order, so they failed.

 

Lock the away fans in for 30mins and you don't have a problem.

[saintjay77]

As the plod said about the student thing - it's their job to keep law and order, so they failed.

 

Lock the away fans in for 30mins and you don't have a problem.

 

It's been said already that keeping them in doesn't solve the problem. The numptys that want to hang about and give it the bigun from behind a line of police will do so even if the skates are kept in all day.

Get them out asap and get the seats washed down before the stink sets in.

 

Dunno if the police will use a fence again or not but reckon they will look to try anything that gets rid of crowds as quick as poss and they will prosecute anyone who steps out of line.

[Daren W]

The police are in no way, shape or form to blame for any of this. The only people culpable are those that were incapable of exercising rational thought and behaving themselves.

 

Hold on, so that more or less excuses the police from any responsibility in any form of social disobedience....

That's their job, whether the people they monitor are the Einsteins of this world or the John W******ds. You can't say the police weren't at fault for allowing fans to mix on the excuse that the people they are allowing to mix are numpties....

Jesus H....

[wessex saint]

It's been said already that keeping them in doesn't solve the problem. The numptys that want to hang about and give it the bigun from behind a line of police will do so even if the skates are kept in all day.

Get them out asap and get the seats washed down before the stink sets in.

 

Dunno if the police will use a fence again or not but reckon they will look to try anything that gets rid of crowds as quick as poss and they will prosecute anyone who steps out of line.

 

 

 

The main benefit from keeping away fans in is that it means those home fans who DO want to be a million miles away from potential trouble can at least make their escape.

[dubai_phil]

The main benefit from keeping away fans in is that it means those home fans who DO want to be a million miles away from potential trouble can at least make their escape.

 

Conversely, it means that those home fans who do wish to make trouble have time to get away from the ground and lie in ambush away from the main ranks of the Police.

 

Damned if they do and damned if they don't

 

Still, hopefully the end of the Target Culture will mean that the OB no longer need to set up ambushes like this so that they get their arrest and crime solved figures up.

 

Or am I being too cynical?

 

 

Oh and in no way condoning their actions - the term brainless springs to mind