Why the pre match security checks? (Lincoln game experience)

[KeithB]

The condition of entry is that you do not bring prohibited items into the ground. Generally a pragmatic view is taken and random searches (or just wanding) can be performed in the hope it would deter others if they were carrying something. It wouldn’t be possible to search everyone, hence why this is the preferred approach.

Thanks for clarifying 👍

 

[djg145]

Too many people in my queue still not aware of the need for a Covid pass etc. Why? There is a missing link somewhere if that’s the case and I heard one guy with 3 kids in tow state that he does not do social media, the Argyle app etc. I hope he found some way to get in 😬

Not everyone does the internet.

 

[IJN]

Everyone on here does! 😅

 

[Daz]

Not everyone does the internet.

They managed to get a ticket so surely they should make an effort to check what the latest info is before travelling? It’s not rocket science is it? Should argyle have sent him a letter?

 

[Guiri Green]

We arrived early and the covid check was a breeze. Queues for Lyndhurst minimal. Unfortunately, due to an error on our part, had to go the box office for a replacement ST. Queues were big and a bit disorganised, a separate collection point for Chelsea Tickets would have helped. Also better marked out lanes or one entry point with someone directing to the next available window might have helped.

We were there for little under 30 minutes and back at the Lyndhurst for 2.30pm. The difference in numbers in that period was staggering. We struggled through and got into our seats about 2.50pm.

The advice to arrive early never seems to be heeded!

 

[djg145]

They managed to get a ticket so surely they should make an effort to check what the latest info is before travelling? It’s not rocket science is it? Should argyle have sent him a letter?

Just saying not EVERYONE uses the internet, people can buy tickets via a telephone or in person, I am just pointing it out.
Yes Ian obviously everyone on here uses the internet - but not every Argyle fan uses PASOTI.

 

[IJN]

Yes Ian obviously everyone on here uses the internet - but not every Argyle fan uses PASOTI.

I know that mate, it was an attempted joke.

 

[meetoo]

Just saying not EVERYONE uses the internet, people can buy tickets via a telephone or in person, I am just pointing it out.
Yes Ian obviously everyone on here uses the internet - but not every Argyle fan uses PASOTI.

I guess the point I was making is that there’s still a missing link somewhere with fans not being aware of the entry conditions 🤷‍♂️ But then again some people just cannot be helped 😳

 

[Born green]

The condition of entry is that you do not bring prohibited items into the ground. Generally a pragmatic view is taken and random searches (or just wanding) can be performed in the hope it would deter others if they were carrying something. It wouldn’t be possible to search everyone, hence why this is the preferred approach.

The irony is ,after you have had a half hearted search ,you can buy bottles of soft drinks from the kiosk's ,take them into the stadium and use as a missile as we have seen in matches at other venues this season...
I've been to a couple of premier league matches this season and no searches were being implemented.
How long is this pointless searching going to be going on at home park?

 

[PL15 Green]

Maybe if the prices were brought down to a reasonable level fans would come earlier. I think £4.80 for a can of beer is over the top price wise. Is it any wonder fans stay in the pub longer!!!

 

[HC Green]

Hi All,



Thanks for the feedback, and great to be back at Home Park playing football after what seems like an eternity!



Yesterday saw the last game with COVID certification in place and whilst I’ll be glad to see it go, we have collectively learned a lot from the process and as a result have a much better understanding of our external operation.



We had just under 7,000 supporters arrive after 2:30pm and that put extreme pressure on queues. Arriving earlier does help & ultimately will mean we can process entry into the stadium quickly and efficiently.



We continue to operate under covid protocols set by the EFL therefore unable to put as much activity as we would like both pre-match and at H/T. We hope we can improve this as restrictions get relaxed and therefore improve the match-day experience.



Yesterday, our public address specialists attended and made some changes to the positioning of the speakers and levels. The visit was purposefully planned during a game so we could get the sound correctly distributed with supporters in seats. I hope this vastly improves the experience.



The ticket office was busy with a mixture of on the day ticket purchases and Chelsea pick ups. With no home game before the FA Cup game we had to offer supporters a chance to collect in person yesterday.



To touch on security checks and searching. The intention is for these checks to be as inclusive & non invasive as possible but we understand that the process needs refining. In due course it’s very likely that the Government will be introducing some legislation called the protect duty. The protect duty will likely outline a number of different measures any sports ground or large venue will be legally be required to undertake. This will be in the form of security checks, hostile vehicle mitigation and other infrastructure to protect venue users. These measures come as a result of the Manchester bombing enquiry. Meetings with the police, local authority & the EFL have commenced already and as a club we want to be ahead of the curve on this. The consultation can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-publishes-protect-duty-consultation-findings. This means that whilst experiences getting into other clubs may be different at the moment, we anticipate that soon it will be the same across all clubs.



In addition to the above, I’m sure you’ll have all seen the abandonment of games in France where missiles have been thrown at the players. This has slowly started to creep into the English leagues and referees have been asked to report incidents which could result in action against clubs. The searching policy has enabled us to confiscate items that could be used as missiles.



Ahead of the next league game the seat replacement programme will commence and we are looking forward to this taking shape.



Hope those going have a great day out at Stamford Bridge & see you on the 12th Feb! 🙌



CK

Could you clarify what is deemed as being a possible missile, as surely that includes anything that could be thrown.
Are coins considered a potential missile?
Similarly I take oranges for half time refreshment, are they potential missiles.
At the Charlton game I asked a steward when they were searching people what they were looking for and was told weapons.

 

[IJN]

You're acting like one at the moment Clive!!

How the hell can he answer such a question?

 

[Sparkypete]

Can you tell us what items have been recovered, how many people have been refused entry? We all know it’s a pointless exercise. Target those who are most likely to be our flare, weapon carriers. Why search clearly nice kids with their parents?

 

[L G]

No need to search everyone but same old record so I will move on.

I wasn't searched at all. Must have a honest face

 

[FourMarkGreen]

To touch on security checks and searching. The intention is for these checks to be as inclusive & non invasive as possible but we understand that the process needs refining. In due course it’s very likely that the Government will be introducing some legislation called the protect duty. The protect duty will likely outline a number of different measures any sports ground or large venue will be legally be required to undertake. This will be in the form of security checks, hostile vehicle mitigation and other infrastructure to protect venue users. These measures come as a result of the Manchester bombing enquiry. Meetings with the police, local authority & the EFL have commenced already and as a club we want to be ahead of the curve on this. The consultation can be read here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-publishes-protect-duty-consultation-findings. This means that whilst experiences getting into other clubs may be different at the moment, we anticipate that soon it will be the same across all clubs.

CK

Thanks for this clarification. The security checks and searching has been an issue all season, although it does appear to have improved over the past couple of games.

In my view a simple statement of clarification, like you've provided here, makes a big difference to the ordinary fans who just want to attend matches and support their team. Some of us will always complain, but what you've said seems reasonable to me, makes sense and now we know the rationale behind the increased checks.

My only real comment is that it would have been better if a statement like this had been made at the beginning of the season, rather than wait until halfway through. We all would have known from the off, then.