Atherstone match thread

[Si_Nichols]

Just incase anyone was wondering, the club will be issueing a formal response to this in due course.

Is there a full report from the FA somewhere on how they reached that ridiculous punishment? It probably cost them more than £350 to investigate it/have hearings etc. - that is of course if they actually bothered ...

[Ralph]

Just incase anyone was wondering, the club will be issueing a formal response to this in due course.

Is there a full report from the FA somewhere on how they reached that ridiculous punishment? It probably cost them more than £350 to investigate it/have hearings etc. - that is of course if they actually bothered ...

No, there isn't, have a bit more from the BFA in the latest HSN, should be in your in-boxes now.

I'm still trying to establish when the FA's original decision was made, Atherstone appealed the decision - no idea on what grounds, and whether the FA issued a subsequent statement, either way, there's nothing on the FA or the BFA's website.

[Ralph]

Did the FA take into account the fact that when the police were summoned by 999 calls from Barrow fans being assaulted, they were refused admission to the ground by the club? I was told this by a police officer outside the ground when I left, fearful of my own safety, well before the end of the game.

No, they didn't, the FA's charge was one of Atherstone failing to control their supporters, and any matters pertaining to the violence and the Police's response to it fell outside that remit.

Having said that, on the matter of Atherstone refusing to allow the Police to enter the ground, I do believe this should be investigated, I don't think the Police investigation will cover this, and if we are to have this looked into, then it should be a third party, and I don't want Barrow AFC to cover this, but feel it would be better for the National Supporters' Club (NSC) to do so.

[Si_Nichols]

Did the FA take into account the fact that when the police were summoned by 999 calls from Barrow fans being assaulted, they were refused admission to the ground by the club? I was told this by a police officer outside the ground when I left, fearful of my own safety, well before the end of the game.

No, they didn't, the FA's charge was one of Atherstone failing to control their supporters, and any matters pertaining to the violence and the Police's response to it fell outside that remit.

Having said that, on the matter of Atherstone refusing to allow the Police to enter the ground, I do believe this should be investigated, I don't think the Police investigation will cover this, and if we are to have this looked into, then it should be a third party, and I don't want Barrow AFC to cover this, but feel it would be better for the National Supporters' Club (NSC) to do this.

How are the NSC going to carry out an investigation exactly?

[Steeley]

Has there been any crminal convictions for any of them yet?

[Holkerbird]

There's about 19 or 20 charged but investigations are still ongoing and they are still trying to track some fans down to get their statements.

[Ralph]

How are the NSC going to carry out an investigation exactly?

Sorry, wrong word, I believe the matter needs investigating, I have asked the FA for clarification as to whether a club can refuse entry to the Police responding to an emergency (call), but without any reply. I also approached Supporters' Direct and the FSF on the matter, but couldn't obtain a definitive answer (it depends on a number of factors, and the only people who would have details of these are the FA and the Police).

What I would like to see is the NSC, as (a registered) representative of Barrow supporters to formally approach either or the FA and the Police seeking clarification of this (Atherstone refusing entry to the Police) and whether by doing so, Atherstone failed, not only, in their duty of care, but morally as well.

[audigex]

I have asked the FA for clarification as to whether a club can refuse entry to the Police responding to an emergency (call), but without any reply.

That definitely doesn't need clarification from the FA...

The offence of obstructing a police officer is committed when a person wilfully obstructs a constable in the execution of his duty.

That's the law, there's no levels in there, and no caveats, excuses or special circumstances.

As to the execution of their duty, a police officer may enter a premises, even if they don't have a warrant:

To arrest someone for an arrestable offence.
To save life or limb or prevent serious damage to property.

The former is clearly applicable, and the latter arguably so.

The FA have nothing to do with it.