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Football: Policing the Supporter

NCJ Number
151827
Author(s)
N Middleham
Date Published
1993
Length
229 pages
Annotation
This research investigated procedures used by English police at football (soccer) matches and the ways these have changed in light of recent acts of hooliganism at games, and examined attitudes of police officers and football fans regarding trends in spectator behavior and policing procedures.
Abstract
Data were collected through a review of the literature, visits to matches, and postal surveys of supporters and football police commanders. The results of the survey are discussed in terms of fans' satisfaction with football policing, the need for police to communicate with supporters, the issue of placing a perimeter fence around the playing field and protecting the playing area, and arguments regarding designs for an all-seated stadium. The three most contentious issues that arose from survey responses related to desegregation of supporters from different organizations, player conduct, and banning troublemakers. The report concludes with 43 recommendations. 32 references and 10 appendixes