Can we trust Merseyside Police........

Quoted from KingstonMariner

This week of all weeks, Merseyside Police, of all police forces ought not to be assuming football fans are criminals.

Indeed.
I have been to Tranmere on numerous occasions; good and bad result-wise, and because I was based in that region for uni and beyond, I've attended from various directions, by various methods
(car, minibus, train, bus, foot)  and don't recall one incident needing Police involvement.

Perhaps we should defer to the Police's 'insider knowledge' but it does seem an odd call - what is the actual risk here, what are the criteria used?

Why this game and not the 45 beforehand?

Quoted from ex-merseymariner

Indeed.
I have been to Tranmere on numerous occasions; good and bad result-wise, and because I was based in that region for uni and beyond, I've attended from various directions, by various methods
(car, minibus, train, bus, foot)  and don't recall one incident needing Police involvement.

Perhaps we should defer to the Police's 'insider knowledge' but it does seem an odd call - what is the actual risk here, what are the criteria used?

Why this game and not the 45 beforehand?

Probably the so called football intelligence officers justifying OT costs etc and alleged hooligan chatter they have picked up on from social media.I would suspect both Clubs are classed pretty high risk for this fixture even though no history between the fans.A bad result for the home side and around 500 away fans with a catalogue of previous offences  to have a go at means the Police will be looking for some arrests.We all now how football works guilty until proved innocent so best off avoiding this game at all costs or head down and mouth shut.UTM

Seen this on the telewag comments

Quoted from Grimsby Telegraph

As a Tranmere fan I'm pretty sure this is in anticipation of the meltdown our idiot following will go through when we don't make the playoffs. The fact we've been awful all season is irrelevant. Please don't take this as disrespect against yourselves.

Quoted from mariner83

Seen this on the telewag comments

I suspect Town fans with a decent memory will enjoy gloating at the final whistle win lose or draw if Tranmere fail to crash the Play Offs.

Do it for chima

Quoted from WOZOFGRIMSBY

Do it for chima

Last time I went there with you we nearly died from exhaust fumes

I contacted the football supporters federation and Amanda Jacks sent me this reply re the dispersal zone............

"...Based on the number of arrests and complaints that come our way, Merseyside Police are one of the better forces when it comes to policing football matches.

I shadowed Merseyside Police for the LFC v MUFC Uefa Cup fixture and they had the same powers in place then.  I witnessed them dispersing a small group of supporters and had no concerns whatsoever since in my view, they were used appropriately on supporters who deserved to be dispersed due to their behaviour which met the criteria.  This was the only time fans were dispersed all evening and I would hope the same discretion is used for your game on Saturday.

Having said that, I understand supporters concerns.  These powers are relatively new and are yet to be tested in court meaning there is possible scope for misuse. My best advice would be for any supporter who is dispersed is to either film or record the police dispersing them.  It is lawful to film unless the police deem it interfering with their duties so be sensible in how you film or record.  If you don't feel comfortable doing so ask somebody else to.

There is no point in trying to argue or challenge any dispersal notice.  It will not change an officers mind.  Yes, you may be angry and frustrated but just like a referree who gives a player a red card, it won't help and may make matters worse for you.

Breaching the dispersal notice is an arrestable offence.  At the police station it is your right to ask for a solicitor totally independent of the police; they are also free.  Exercise that right even if it means being detained for longer.  Having a solicitor present may make the difference between you being charged or not and will certainly assist you during an interview.

In the unlikely event you are dispersed, contact me on Monday.  On your behalf, I can take expert advice from a solicitor as to whether or not there may be grounds to challenge the actions of the police.  This is where a recording comes in helpful.  The advice will initially be free of charge..."

I hope this is helpful, if you've any further questions, please do let me know.

I hope you have a good day on Saturday.

Best wishes

Amanda

If you live in the dispersal area and had no interest in football but some over eager copper told you to move are you ok to go and stand in your own front garden? Also did the met police use these powers at Wembley for  last years playoff final when they knew there would be 40 thousand plus there. If not are the met better organised and confident in there actions than the mersysiders.

Well done Webbit.

Quoted from Gaffer58

If you live in the dispersal area and had no interest in football but some over eager copper told you to move are you ok to go and stand in your own front garden? Also did the met police use these powers at Wembley for  last years playoff final when they knew there would be 40 thousand plus there. If not are the met better organised and confident in there actions than the mersysiders.

That was something I was discussing at work with a mate of mine when I showed him what Merseyside Police have planned

Say just by some quirky results on Saturday and in the P/O semis, we have to play Tranmere in the final at Wembley, would the Merseyside force be advising the Met to follow their lead again?