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Praise for fans
9:56am Thursday 22nd May 2008
AS the Superintendent in charge of the British Transport Police operation for the FA Cup on Saturday, May 17, I wanted to take the opportunity to praise the behaviour of the Portsmouth and Cardiff fans who travelled to Wembley for the FA Cup Final.
BTP deployed nearly 600 officers for an operation that stretched from Portsmouth and Cardiff to London and back.
The shameful events that took place in Manchester the previous Wednesday were uppermost in my mind in the lead up to the event and I was determined that the same scenes would not mar the Cup Final.
My job was to ensure the fans making the trip to London enjoyed themselves, travelled safely and had a memorable day in London, whatever the final score.
Through the clubs and local media BTP wanted to get out the message that we would be there to support the fans but would deal robustly with any alcohol-fuelled disorder on trains.
To that end alcohol controls were introduced at various location and trains.
I am pleased to say that my officers experienced no significant disorder or drink related problems and all the fans cooperated with these controls. Only two arrests for minor offences were made by my officers.
When you consider that nearly 60,000 fans travelled by train and underground to reach Wembley, that is no mean feat and the fans should be congratulated on their good behaviour.
They have also done a great deal to repair the positive image of genuine football supporters.
Andy Ball Superintendent British Transport Police
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