Watching Football Is Not A Crime
Wednesday, 19th Oct 2011 18:11

Those who are up in arms about their civil liberties being infringed for the Pompey game might like to pop along to this event. speakers include the man responsible for the policing of both St Mary's and Fratton

Register today: register@fsf.org.uk

Free event open to fans of ALL clubs

Register and receive a FREE DRINK on arrival

*The Rifle Club, Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth, PO4 0AW. Thursday 20th October 2011. Doors 7pm (7.30pm kick-off).

Watching Football Is Not A Crime! is a free Football Supporters’ Federation event, hosted by former Pompey, Saints, and Republic of Ireland star Alan McLoughlin. The event gives fans the chance to question a panel of experts including Supt Rick Burrows, in charge of policing at Fratton Park and St Mary's, and barrister Stephen Field. We are also pleased to welcome Alex Gask from the prestigious Doughty Street Chambers and a rep from the Football Safety Officers’ Association.

The FSF has previously held Watching Football Is Not A Crime! in London and Sheffield with the discussion entirely in the hands of those attending. Questions which have been raised in the past include:

Do you think football fans are discriminated against?
Have you experienced ‘bubble’ matches?
Why are early kick-offs thrust upon fans by the police?
Are you fed up of being told to sit down and shut up?
Have you ever been herded into police escorts and treated like a criminal?
Do you think the use of Section 27 and Football Banning Orders is OTT?

Further timing and venue information:

Fans should arrive for 7pm and the event will kick-off at around 7.30pm, this gives plenty of time for everyone to grab a drink and get settled. We’ll then have two Q&A sessions lasting around one hour each, with a 15 minute refreshment break in the middle. We’re sure it’s a format football fans are vaguely familiar with.

If everything’s as interesting as expected, there might even be extra time…everything should be wrapped up for 10.30pm when there’ll be time for a few pints and some chit-chat with fellow fans.