IMUSA WARN UNITED OVER STADIUM SECURITY

Last updated : 30 September 2004 By editor

The MEN reports that Trafford Borough Council is meeting once again to discuss the problems of persistent standing at Old Trafford. The paper reports that United supporters are seen to be among the worst for such behaviour, joining Villa, Cardiff, Leeds, Newcastle and West Ham fans in the naughty boys’ corner.

It is infuriating, but altogether fitting in the nanny state climate that exists in England 2004, that these Jacks in office are unable to understand that they are there to serve the people; and in this case the people want safe standing at football. The standing ‘problem’ exists nationwide and yet rather than bow to public desire, these public funded fools are attempting to hold back the tide and seem determined to fight a war that they simply cannot win.

The MEN report that our away allocations are still in danger of being cut, as was reported on Red Issue before the start of the season. However IMUSA have warned the club that, should they ignore the advice in the independent report into standing, they run the risk of litigation.

Spokesman Mark Longden as saying, "If somebody has an accident when the club has already been warned, then they are leaving themselves open to being sued. I don't get the logic of their argument.

"Atkins says persistent standing isn't a real risk. But it does say there is a risk in moments of high excitement, when a goal goes in or when leaving the ground. Yet that is allowed by the club and the council, while they target people who persistently stand.

"Nothing seems to have been done after Atkins. If there is an accident, someone could sue the club and a good lawyer could probably drive a coach and horses through any
defence the club might put forward, because Atkins warned them."

United spokesman Phil Townsend said: "We are happy we comply with the conditions in our safety licence. We keep our safety procedures under constant review. Things are constantly being done to try to make Old Trafford a safe and secure place to enjoy football."

Well you may be happy with it Phil, but we aren’t. Why not use some muscle for once and get a better deal for the supporters who pay the wages of everyone at the club?