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Updated fans' information for security checks

Mar 1, 2005
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There were incidents with flares/smoke bombs which are incendiary devices which are banned from football grounds.
In the Lyndhurst Stand? I thought that was more of a problem in Dem’port Stand? It can’t be that, otherwise the enhanced security checks would apply in the Dem’port as well. It has to be something specific about the Lyndhurst. There must be an identified threat to the Lyndhurst to justify enhanced security checks for just that Stand that are way over the top from regular security checks elsewhere across the ground and at other clubs which you would have thought presented a more attractive target to terrorists because they are more high profile. If it’s because we are a naval town, why aren’t such intrusive security checks being brought in at Portsmouth? It makes no sense unless the Counter-Terrorism Unit has contacted the club to inform the club that the Lyndhurst is a specific target?
 

Bernie Bernbaum

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I normally sit in the Lyndhurst. I'll now sit elsewhere, probably the Mayflower.
 
Sep 6, 2006
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The club takes its commitment to supporter security extremely seriously. Forming part of the requirements of our new risk-based safety certificate, and work with the Counter Terrorism Unit, the club has implemented enhanced security measures, with the safety of all fans, guests, and officials at Home Park at the centre of our thinking. As such, we ask supporters to note the following points.”

Clearly, the club might have received intelligence reports that terrorists are attempting to enter the Lyndhurst Stand on match days. Lyndhurst supporters might have to get used to emptying their pockets and having the contents of their wallets examined, if it keeps everyone safe. It is a small price to pay to keep everyone safe - a terrorist attack from within the Lyndhurst Stand during a match could effect other Stands as well. It’s better safe than sorry.
Yes these terrorists obviously are only interested in attacking the Lyndhurst and wouldn't consider going somewhere else with lower security checks !
 

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The Devonport End had the same security checks.
 
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Presumably away fans will need to go through the same security checks?
 

metroace

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If that rain we have been having continues, then most people won’t want to be emptying their pockets onto a soaking wet table. Not just tonight, but at any match.
 
May 17, 2012
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The club takes its commitment to supporter security extremely seriously. Forming part of the requirements of our new risk-based safety certificate, and work with the Counter Terrorism Unit, the club has implemented enhanced security measures, with the safety of all fans, guests, and officials at Home Park at the centre of our thinking. As such, we ask supporters to note the following points.”

Clearly, the club might have received intelligence reports that terrorists are attempting to enter the Lyndhurst Stand on match days. Lyndhurst supporters might have to get used to emptying their pockets and having the contents of their wallets examined, if it keeps everyone safe. It is a small price to pay to keep everyone safe - a terrorist attack from within the Lyndhurst Stand during a match could effect other Stands as well. It’s better safe than sorry.
Really ?…
 
May 17, 2012
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My email to the club:
I was at the pre season game against middlesborough and was dismayed at the treatment of fans. As you know stewards have no legal right to make a search- is this now a condition of entry to home park ? If it is you should be honest and tell people. So much for fan focused.
To justify this heavy handed tactic you then refer to the ‘counter terrorism’ unit. ! When has there been ever been a terrorist incident west of Bristol? Ever ? Are you saying you see a threat of terrorism at an Argyle pre season friendly ? Or just those in the lyndhurst or devonport end ? What a joke. This represents a very depressing turn of events , and is not what our club used to be about. Please reflect as this is the first impression people get.
 
Mar 1, 2005
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Southampton
It's the consistency that I find baffling. One rule for one (Lyndhurst) and one rule for the other (Mayflower).
It should apply everywhere or not at all, otherwise the terrorists will just go to the entrance with the wave through security (the Mayflower). Will the club be subjecting Platinum and Gold tickets to the same intrusive security? If they do, they may see a big drop off of fans buying the premium tickets (would you invite guests to a Platinum table as a corporate freebie to impress your company customers knowing that you are subjecting them to an intrusive search?). If they don’t, then they should realise that terrorists sometimes have access to funds, and will just buy Platinum or Gold tickets to bypass the security.

What about disabled fans? Some fans with autism may find being intrusively searched as mentally unsettling and unpleasant. Fans with special needs may needs to carry bags with personal items necessary for their health and well-being. Should they go through the embarrassment of emptying their bags on a table in front of everyone else? If there is a specific threat that terrorists are trying to gain entry to the Lyndhurst then the answer has to be yes, otherwise the terrorists will just pretend to be disabled fans. But, vulnerable fans may quickly find the intrusive security checks as too much and stop coming to Home Park, which may be a win for the terrorists without them having to do anything.

Also if there is a current active terrorist threat to a specific Stand shouldn’t the club communicate this to the fans so that we can make an informed choice to avoid that Stand or avoid Home Park all together whilst the threat is active?
 

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Watching the Olympics this morning reminded me of how security was applied at the London Olympics. As they knew that intrusive and precise security would inevitably slow down the entrance of spectators into the venues, all security was carried out under the cover of large marquees. If this intrusive level of security is to continue, then there are going to have to be a lot of marquees erected around the ground or a perimeter set up so that there is one large security point for all fans to pass through before approaching the turnstiles.
 

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My email to the club:
I was at the pre season game against middlesborough and was dismayed at the treatment of fans. As you know stewards have no legal right to make a search- is this now a condition of entry to home park ? If it is you should be honest and tell people. So much for fan focused.
To justify this heavy handed tactic you then refer to the ‘counter terrorism’ unit. ! When has there been ever been a terrorist incident west of Bristol? Ever ? Are you saying you see a threat of terrorism at an Argyle pre season friendly ? Or just those in the lyndhurst or devonport end ? What a joke. This represents a very depressing turn of events , and is not what our club used to be about. Please reflect as this is the first impression people get.
There was a failed suicide bombing in Exeter in 2008. Apart from that, I agree with the points you raise.
 
Aug 12, 2010
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South Wales
This is bull tihs.
We are not a club with special securtiy requirements.
D and C police get over excited, they dont have experience of crowds.
If terrorists want to do an attack in Devon :rolleyes: they will, at a time and place of their choosing, this isnt keeping people safer, its an ugly symptom of our lurch towards an authoritarian state.
 
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May 8, 2011
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Once the word 'terrorism' is mentioned it's a whole new ball game.
We all know where we stand now - long queues for each and every match and extensive searches, maybe even delayed kick-offs.

It's good that the club recognised that male stewards should not be searching female fans and have addressed that with the security company - who really should have known this.
There was a failed suicide bombing in Exeter in 2008. Apart from that, I agree with the points you raise.
If there was a terrorist threat, one assumes a suicide bomber, then they are more likely to strike after the game outside the ground when there are more potential victims at a congested pinch point, at Home Park that would be at the corner of the Lyndhurst and Devonport End.
Searching spectators going in won’t identify the terrorist.
Next time you go to Wembley and are queuing for Wembley Park tube station just notice all the police spotters and armed police overlooking Wembley Way.
 
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Feb 8, 2005
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Has anybody given thought to the fact that this may be training for the stewards? and will be of benefit to the stewards, and has nothing to do with the fanbase, or location of the checks themselves????
The Stewards are new to PAFC after all.
 
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