To ensure safe environment, Staffordshire Police introduces Football Behaviour Contract

Alia Tabassum

February 09, 2014

Staffordshire Police made five men sign a contract on their recent behaviour at Hednesford Town Football Club Fixtures. Application may be made to the Magistrates' Court for a Football Banning Order, if they breach the contract.

Officers from Staffordshire Police visited five men aged between 18 and 24 from the Chasetown, Rugely, Cannock and Hednesford areas. The five have signed a football behaviour contract which includes clauses about complying with regulations and directions given by Stewards and club employees when attending Football Fixtures. Contract also prohibit to behave in a manner which likely cause harassment or distress to anyone attending football matches or travelling on the rail network.

They also entered into contract with Staffordshire Police and Hednesford Town Football Club not to cause or contribute any violence and disorder in the United Kingdom or elsewhere.

If they breach the contract by behaving in a way which Police or Football Club consider to amount to causing disorder, an application may be made to the Magistrates' Court for "Football Banning Order" to maintain order and prohibit violence.

Chief Inspector Bird said, "We work very closely with all five major clubs in the county, and also with colleagues in other police forces, to ensure safe environment at football grounds. The use of Football Behaviour Contract is a new concept within our football policing strategy. The individuals we have targeted who have signed these contracts are fully aware that if they commit offences we will bring them into the criminal justice system to be dealt with appropriately."