Post by Norah on Jun 19, 2013 7:37:59 GMT
Thought this might be worth a read considering that it all happened against us. From the Grimsby Telegraph..
OPINION: 'Catch-all solution unfair on some returning Grimsby Town fans'
Wednesday, June 19, 2013Grimsby TelegraphFollow
By Matt Dannatt, Football Writer
GRIMSBY Town's decision to welcome back those fans who were banned at Burton – but only if they buy a season ticket, has certainly polarised opinion.
Almost 50 supporters were convicted for their involvement in the trouble that followed the Mariners' 3-0 defeat to the Brewers back in 2010.
• •
After Town's relegation was confirmed at the final whistle, sections of the travelling support stormed on to the pitch.
I vividly remember watching in disbelief as some tore down advertising hoardings or clashed with police, stewards and opposition fans.
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It was a day on which the actions of a few shamed both the club and, in some respects – given the national exposure the incident received – the town as a whole.
Speaking to the Telegraph this week, director John Fenty defended the club's decision to welcome those fans back – provided they buy a season ticket.
He described it as necessary measure in order to ensure the safety of all inside Blundell Park.
However, a number of commentators have criticised the club, labelling the move as a heavy-handed way of boosting season ticket sales.
While that may be a cynical view, it is clear that the decision hasn't been met with the total approval of those fans whom GTFC argue they are trying to protect.
As someone who was at Burton to witness the shameful scenes unfold, I'd have to agree with the views of Mariners Trust chairman Chris Parker, who also spoke to the Telegraph this week.
Parker rightly pointed out that the supporters who stormed the pitch after the game exhibited 'varying degrees of misbehaviour'.
Some kicked out at a hoarding in frustration and emotion, while others spilled on to the pitch and assaulted police officers and stewards.
Parker therefore argued that a 'one size fits all' policy of controlling the re-integration of those banned fans does not take into account the varying seriousness of their actions.
The club have admitted that the measure is a 'catch-all' but insist that they have to been seen to be putting a policy in place.
The need to shell out for a season ticket may serve to dissuade those 'yobs' who travelled to Burton seeking trouble and should rightly be kept away from BP.
But I'm sure those who criticise would feel more comfortable if the club considered the individual circumstances when deciding whether to admit those with spent bans as a 'on-the- turnstile' fan once again.
Read more: www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/story-19327727-detail/story.html?#ixzz2We50X8CM
Follow us: @thisisgrimsby on Twitter | thisisgrimsby on Facebook
OPINION: 'Catch-all solution unfair on some returning Grimsby Town fans'
Wednesday, June 19, 2013Grimsby TelegraphFollow
By Matt Dannatt, Football Writer
GRIMSBY Town's decision to welcome back those fans who were banned at Burton – but only if they buy a season ticket, has certainly polarised opinion.
Almost 50 supporters were convicted for their involvement in the trouble that followed the Mariners' 3-0 defeat to the Brewers back in 2010.
• •
After Town's relegation was confirmed at the final whistle, sections of the travelling support stormed on to the pitch.
I vividly remember watching in disbelief as some tore down advertising hoardings or clashed with police, stewards and opposition fans.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
myprint-247
View details
Print voucher
It was a day on which the actions of a few shamed both the club and, in some respects – given the national exposure the incident received – the town as a whole.
Speaking to the Telegraph this week, director John Fenty defended the club's decision to welcome those fans back – provided they buy a season ticket.
He described it as necessary measure in order to ensure the safety of all inside Blundell Park.
However, a number of commentators have criticised the club, labelling the move as a heavy-handed way of boosting season ticket sales.
While that may be a cynical view, it is clear that the decision hasn't been met with the total approval of those fans whom GTFC argue they are trying to protect.
As someone who was at Burton to witness the shameful scenes unfold, I'd have to agree with the views of Mariners Trust chairman Chris Parker, who also spoke to the Telegraph this week.
Parker rightly pointed out that the supporters who stormed the pitch after the game exhibited 'varying degrees of misbehaviour'.
Some kicked out at a hoarding in frustration and emotion, while others spilled on to the pitch and assaulted police officers and stewards.
Parker therefore argued that a 'one size fits all' policy of controlling the re-integration of those banned fans does not take into account the varying seriousness of their actions.
The club have admitted that the measure is a 'catch-all' but insist that they have to been seen to be putting a policy in place.
The need to shell out for a season ticket may serve to dissuade those 'yobs' who travelled to Burton seeking trouble and should rightly be kept away from BP.
But I'm sure those who criticise would feel more comfortable if the club considered the individual circumstances when deciding whether to admit those with spent bans as a 'on-the- turnstile' fan once again.
Read more: www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/story-19327727-detail/story.html?#ixzz2We50X8CM
Follow us: @thisisgrimsby on Twitter | thisisgrimsby on Facebook
