UK Football Policing Unit statement: Decision on banning supporters at Europa League match

The UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) said:

“The UKFPU supported West Midlands Police in gaining access to the full details of the previous incidents in Amsterdam via the European policing network so they had all the relevant information available to them.

Following this, the Home Office were briefed last week by the UKFPU about the potential issues and options that the Safety Advisory Group (SAG) may take including restrictions on visiting fans.

The Safety Advisory Group is made up of independent bodies who make recommendations to the licensing authorities and the priority is always the safety of those attending matches and the wider public. This process was supported the Sports Ground Safety Authority. It is important that we respect and support the structures in place for making these decisions.  If there are any adverse incidents, then they are the ones that will be held responsible.

The UKFPU, in the wake of the Casey Review following the serious disorder at Wembley in 2021, has suggested that if the government want a role in regulating football events that could be termed ‘events of national significance’, then they need to bring forward legislation to formalise this to ensure accountability sits with decision-makers.”