Your last paragraph is so true Tug. I mentioned that I had only had 2 real issues with Police - 1 outside the Kop End at Liverpool (when I was actually in initial Police training) and secondly -I think they police do an amazing job and have to adapt to the situation. They have to take a hard stance at big venues like football because let’s be honest, if they were to show weakness things could go sour very quickly.
Im very much in favour of the hardline stance they take to potential offenders whilst ensuring the general public are well cared for and protected.
Seems as thou some have found the police difficult when they have in-fact placed themselves in a position to be dealt with.
Earlier still, I went to a match at Ashton Gate. Parked up in the city centre and thought I’d go to Temple Meads to meet the away fans and be escorted to the ground.
Was advised that away fans train was being stopped at another station to avoid trouble in the city. Walked to said station (can’t remember the name - long time ago) and joined up with the away fans on arrival. Pretty rowdy lot and we were escorted to the ground. Some fairly ‘firm’ tactics, horses, dogs etc and quite right too. Several arrests enroute. Some missile throwing by home and away yobs
I put myself in that situation and should have made my own way to the ground instead of seeking out the buzz of the away escort, actually putting myself more at risk of arrest and also of attack by home fans, as escorted fans are often targeted and were on that day.
Public order police have a nightmare of a job as I subsequently found in 30 years service in all 3 front line specialist operational ranks in multiple public order operations including:-
Toxteth, Moss Side, Orgreave and other miners strike work over 18 months, Glastonbury (before it got civilised) Bournemouth v Leeds riot - probably worst riot ever seen at an English league ground, level 1 unit commander for multiple high category matches, responsible for away fans over many years.
Hope that helps Andy