Security at St Mary's in light of the Paris attacks

[Johnny Bognor]

FYI...

http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/14036276.St_Mary_s_security_to_be_tightened_after_Paris_attacks/?ref=mr&lp=4

[Hatch]

Please don't take bombs and kalashnikovs on Saturday, they are on the list of banned items

[PaulSaint]

Longer than normal queues on Saturday, guaranteed!

[The9]

When you think about it, the fact 3 people turned up fully geared up to blow up a sporting event and the security prevented ALL of them getting in with simple gate checks should actually make us a little more confident about security - though the Stade has a gate around the perimeter with the checks happening there.

 

The Echo reporting of the facts there is p155-poor fwiw, the BBC has a full timeline, and is clear that all 3 Stade de France bombers detonated themselves, somehow managing to kill only 4 people including them.

[Lallana's Left Peg]

Please don't take bombs and kalashnikovs on Saturday, they are on the list of banned items

 

[buctootim]

When you think about it, the fact 3 people turned up fully geared up to blow up a sporting event and the security prevented ALL of them getting in with simple gate checks should actually make us a little more confident about security - though the Stade has a gate around the perimeter with the checks happening there.

 

The Echo reporting of the facts there is p155-poor fwiw, the BBC has a full timeline, and is clear that all 3 Stade de France bombers detonated themselves, somehow managing to kill only 4 people including them.

 

I think it was reported they turned up when the game was well under way, almost over in fact - which would have aroused suspicion and also ensured that few people were milling around.

[Johnny Bognor]

I read that one of the bombers seats was next to the players tunnel. Can you imagine the shock of that happening live on TV?

[shurlock]

Actually think security is pretty decent, though there's a difference between international fixtures and league games, whether you go in the home end (where only bags are checked) or the away end (where I'm still searched 90% of the time).

 

My worry is less inside the stadium than in the walk-up -everything from the Northam car park to Wembley Way. Visibility and monitoring tend to be lower; but the area is still densely packed. That's what I thought initially happened on Friday - dare I say it, things might have been a lot worse had this indeed been the case.

[Miltonaggro]

With the way the Saints Ticket Office and Membership Scheme is set up there is absolutely no chance of them getting in.

[doddisalegend]

Actually think security is pretty decent, though there's a difference between international fixtures and league games, whether you go in the home end (where only bags are checked) or the away end (where I'm still searched 90% of the time).

 

My worry is less inside the stadium than in the walk-up -everything from the Northam car park to Wembley Way. Visibility and monitoring tend to be lower; but the area is still densely packed. That's what I thought initially happened on Friday - dare I say it, things might have been a lot worse had this indeed been the case.

 

Yet someone got a smoke bomb into the Bournemouth match and managed to chuck it on the pitch doubt a hand grenade would be that difficult.

[CB Saint]

If there are any Jihadis reading this for intel, apparently there are some high value targets in the Kingland / Northern corner.

 

Yours

 

CB (chapel / itchen)

[shurlock]

Yet someone got a smoke bomb into the Bournemouth match and managed to chuck it on the pitch doubt a hand grenade would be that difficult.

 

As I said, there's a difference -in general, it's much easier to take things into the home end (didnt the smoke bomb come from the Itchen North). Whether somebody could strap a ton of explosives to themselves or even bring in a grenade, to use your example, without detection, who knows - at some point, you disappear down a rabbit hole of conjecture.

 

What is clear is that I) moderate profiling would probably make a big difference (if it doesn't happen already) - St Mary's is far less ethnically diverse than other grounds (by definition, your average, smoke-bomb carrying lad wouldnt dream of bringing a grenade into the ground, so the analogy doesn't quite work) and II) the area around the ground is probably more vulnerable than inside the ground.

Edited 17 November, 2015 by shurlock

[Pilchards]

How can you stop someone with a secret bag department carrying grenades and guns.

We live in a ****ed up world where you just hope it's not your day that you are going to be at an event with a murdering nutter.

[shurlock]

If there are any Jihadis reading this for intel, apparently there are some high value targets in the Kingland / Northern corner.

 

Yours

 

CB (chapel / itchen)

 

The ferocious Chapel Koppites are the Crown Jewels

Edited 17 November, 2015 by shurlock

[Saint_clark]

I read that one of the bombers seats was next to the players tunnel. Can you imagine the shock of that happening live on TV?

 

That's probably just speculation, but the idea of it does send shivers down my spine.

[Give it to Ron]

If it blew at Krap Nottarf would cause a million pounds worth of improvements

[JRM]

With the way the Saints Ticket Office and Membership Scheme is set up there is absolutely no chance of them getting in.

 

It's a good point, ISIS would struggle to get a ticket for a Cat A game with purchase history restrictions so would be far more likely to target a game like Stoke at home that goes to general sale

[Saint_Jonny]

It's a good point, ISIS would struggle to get a ticket for a Cat A game with purchase history restrictions so would be far more likely to target a game like Stoke at home that goes to general sale

 

We're all doomed!

[doddisalegend]

As I said, there's a difference -in general, it's much easier to take things into the home end (didnt the smoke bomb come from the Itchen North). Whether somebody could strap a ton of explosives to themselves or even bring in a grenade, to use your example, without detection, who knows - at some point, you disappear down a rabbit hole of conjecture.

 

What is clear is that I) moderate profiling would probably make a big difference (if it doesn't happen already) - St Mary's is far less ethnically diverse than other grounds (by definition, your average, smoke-bomb carrying lad wouldnt dream of bringing a grenade into the ground, so the analogy doesn't quite work) and II) the area around the ground is probably more vulnerable than inside the ground.

 

 

 

I sit in the itchen north pretty sure the smoke bomb came from the away fans. My point was merely if someone can smuggle in a smoke bomb I can't see someone who wanted to (in other words not you average footie fan)having much trouble with a grenade or two.

[Johnny Bognor]

It's a good point, ISIS would struggle to get a ticket for a Cat A game with purchase history restrictions so would be far more likely to target a game like Stoke at home that goes to general sale

 

i disagree. They only need to pretend to be Man U, Liverpool or Chelsea and they'll have no problems getting a seat in the home end

[scotty]

With the way the Saints Ticket Office and Membership Scheme is set up there is absolutely no chance of them getting in.

 

[Sour Mash]

It's a good point, ISIS would struggle to get a ticket for a Cat A game with purchase history restrictions so would be far more likely to target a game like Stoke at home that goes to general sale

Discriminatory post. Who's to say they haven't been regulars since our League One days?

[Sour Mash]

I sit in the itchen north pretty sure the smoke bomb came from the away fans.

It came from the home end.

[under the west stand]

Wondered if it would happen. Was frisked at WBA on the last two away games - and Leicester as far as I can remember.

[whelk]

Please don't take bombs and kalashnikovs on Saturday, they are on the list of banned items

 

If more of us had weapons they wouldn't stand a chance. See other thread

[doddisalegend]

It came from the home end.

 

owning up?

[Give it to Ron]

Germany v Holland off due to security warnings

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Sour Mash]

owning up?

Just correcting you.

[bpsaint]

I'm actually quite surprised football hasn't been targeted sooner to be honest, espicially in winter with big padded jackets and the like I don't think it'd be that hard to gain entry at all. With regards to the exterior of the stadium, the northam/kingsland exits leading up to the overpass and underpass are incredibly packed after a game, shudder to think what could happen there.

 

As Pilchards says above just have to hope it's not your day and get on with life really.

[Golden Balls]

I'm also surprised PL football seems to not have been targeted. Very easy to get stuff in if you ask me. And very high profile.

 

When I was in LA I went to watch the ice hockey and basketball. It was like airport security with metal detectors and searches going on.

 

I realise America are completely over cautious but I can see that being the norm at football grounds soon enough.

[The9]

I think it was reported they turned up when the game was well under way, almost over in fact - which would have aroused suspicion and also ensured that few people were milling around.

 

Small mercies and all that.

[whelk]

I'm also surprised PL football seems to not have been targeted. Very easy to get stuff in if you ask me. And very high profile.

 

When I was in LA I went to watch the ice hockey and basketball. It was like airport security with metal detectors and searches going on.

 

I realise America are completely over cautious but I can see that being the norm at football grounds soon enough.

 

How do you know it hasn't? Anything can be a target for a nutter wanting to slaughter a crowd.

It's not like there have been massacres in other areas in this country and they have deliberately not chosen football.

[The9]

How do you know it hasn't? Anything can be a target for a nutter wanting to slaughter a crowd.

It's not like there have been massacres in other areas in this country and they have deliberately not chosen football.

 

There have been numerous attacks worldwide over the years and terrorists generally seem to have deliberately not chosen sporting and music events so far. That appears to have changed.

[Saint Charlie]

I didn't notice anything different to normal. Bag checks still woefully inadequate and a Stoke fan had a smoke bomb it seems.

 

Complacent.

[stockportsaint]

I didn't notice anything different to normal. Bag checks still woefully inadequate and a Stoke fan had a smoke bomb it seems.

 

Complacent.

 

yup - although the stewards/police worked out who it was and he was led away shortly after - bit surprised as you'd expect the away fans to be searched more thoroughly (I certainly get searched thoroughly at most away games.)

[S-Clarke]

They had some body scanners outside some turnstiles, but were only picking people on random. So not entirely sure what help that did at all. 2 people in front of me went into the turnstiles with rucksacks, not checked, as the steward was too busy doing random body scans.

[pluto]

Gate numbers of bags not being checked should be passed on to supporterrelations@saintsfc.co.uk

[davayy]

I didn't notice anything different to normal. Bag checks still woefully inadequate and a Stoke fan had a smoke bomb it seems.

 

Complacent.

 

Sadly completely different experience to me then. Got questioned by police and details taken for having my laptop with me. Had to store it in the turnstiles to collect it after the game. Would've been nice if they had detailed exactly what wouldn't have been allowed before the game..

[Saint Charlie]

Sadly completely different experience to me then. Got questioned by police and details taken for having my laptop with me. Had to store it in the turnstiles to collect it after the game. Would've been nice if they had detailed exactly what wouldn't have been allowed before the game..

Probably to hit their quota!

[hypochondriac]

Sadly completely different experience to me then. Got questioned by police and details taken for having my laptop with me. Had to store it in the turnstiles to collect it after the game. Would've been nice if they had detailed exactly what wouldn't have been allowed before the game..

 

Tbf I would have thought given the current climate that it was common sense not to bring a laptop to the footie.

[davayy]

Tbf I would have thought given the current climate that it was common sense not to bring a laptop to the footie.

 

Agreed; unfortunately it is difficult when I have work to complete and come from Bristol every week.

[hypochondriac]

Agreed; unfortunately it is difficult when I have work to complete and come from Bristol every week.

 

And that's fine but I don't really blame the club for taking it off you. If I had to bring my laptop for any reason at the moment then I would expect not to be allowed to take it inside.

[davayy]

And that's fine but I don't really blame the club for taking it off you. If I had to bring my laptop for any reason at the moment then I would expect not to be allowed to take it inside.

 

Absolutely, I'm not blaming the club for taking it off me - I have no problems with that and completely understand the reasoning. What would have been better (IMO) is they inform us that laptops (specifically, as I was told it was only laptops and not tablets / mobile phones) are no longer permitted in the ground (they were allowed in before) before the day of the game so that people are aware. The policeman told me in fact that it was quite a problem with lack of information as they had a number of Stoke fans who got their laptops confiscated as they didn't know either. Again, not really a problem given circumstance but just a word for future / advice for anyone reading who may be in a similar situation next time.

 

FWIW, I think they got the security, at least where I was in Kingsland, spot on. They were checking all the bags there were and scanning 98% of people. I think they were understaffed though, a steward who was waiting with me said that they really needed an extra 2/3 people to get through the queue of people.

[Sour Mash]

Sadly completely different experience to me then. Got questioned by police and details taken for having my laptop with me. Had to store it in the turnstiles to collect it after the game. Would've been nice if they had detailed exactly what wouldn't have been allowed before the game..

That is ********, the club can't just take people's laptops off them, that'll be a nightmare for midweek games.

[Noodles34]

Absolutely, I'm not blaming the club for taking it off me - I have no problems with that and completely understand the reasoning. What would have been better (IMO) is they inform us that laptops (specifically, as I was told it was only laptops and not tablets / mobile phones) are no longer permitted in the ground (they were allowed in before) before the day of the game so that people are aware. The policeman told me in fact that it was quite a problem with lack of information as they had a number of Stoke fans who got their laptops confiscated as they didn't know either. Again, not really a problem given circumstance but just a word for future / advice for anyone reading who may be in a similar situation next time.

 

FWIW, I think they got the security, at least where I was in Kingsland, spot on. They were checking all the bags there were and scanning 98% of people. I think they were understaffed though, a steward who was waiting with me said that they really needed an extra 2/3 people to get through the queue of people.

 

I don't understand why 'a number of Stoke fans' would turn up to an away game with a laptop.

[OldNick]

Personally which one of us would go and challenge somebody coming to the gate with a bomb strapped to them? The stewards would be powerless. They are trained to take the lids off Coke bottles not to take on hardened terrorists

[hypochondriac]

Personally which one of us would go and challenge somebody coming to the gate with a bomb strapped to them? The stewards would be powerless. They are trained to take the lids off Coke bottles not to take on hardened terrorists

 

Are you suggesting that stewards at saints should receive anti terrorism training?

[doddisalegend]

Given the infamous letter I was expecting the itchen north gate security to be much tighter Saturday but it was exactly the same as any other game.

 

I guess the club will get punished for the Stoke smoke bomb as I was their security that failed to stop it coming into SMS rather than Stoke?

[JRM]

That is ********, the club can't just take people's laptops off them, that'll be a nightmare for midweek games.

 

Agreed, i had my laptop bag on me for the Villa at home cup game having come straight from work which gave me no other choice, they certainly were not banned then as i opened the bag and they said it was fine.

[Mattio]

Agreed, i had my laptop bag on me for the Villa at home cup game having come straight from work which gave me no other choice, they certainly were not banned then as i opened the bag and they said it was fine.

Same with me, I travel down from work in London on midweek games and have never had any mention of it, I can't imagine I'm the only person who brings one with me for midweek games so they're going to end up needing a cloakroom if this becomes a new rule.