Hi all, 'Arny' of OTIB is away for a few days and he received the reply as below from Amanda that he'd like you all to read. Anyone with information regarding the OTT Policing at QPR is strongly urged to write a complaint letter to Amanda - ajm22769@yahoo.co.uk with your details (that will be kept anon if you'd prefer) and an account of what you witnessed - or complain via any of the channels as listed below......
Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2008 09:52:50 +0000
Subject: Further Advice from the FSF (QPR v Bristol)
Lady & Gents
Last night I met with Malcolm Clarke, chair of the Football Supporters Federation; I'd sent him your emails and he is extremely concerned as to your experiences at the weekend.
I've also spoken to Cliff a Chelsea supporter who, at their recent game v QPR, suffered four broken ribs and a collapsed lung at the hands of the police. His teenage sons were also assaulted, one bitten by a dog. He is having his complaints dealt with at the highest possible level and due to his experiences (as you can imagine) has met many representatives from the Met Police and there appears to be real concern about the behaviour of some of those policing at football matches. It is entirely possible that many of those on duty at the Chelsea game would have been policing your game. We need to work together to ensure lessons are learnt and if possible, some of these police are removed from duty. And of course it would be nice if you got an apology for your experiences!
Malcolm, while appreciating some of your concerns about anonymity and indeed whether it is worth complaining, strongly urges you to complain to both the Met Police, and send copies of those letters to both your own club, QPR and your MP. Once the letters are written, the FSF would then take copies of those letters to the top and work to ensure that they are properly dealt with. They will also be helpful when the FSF meet with the police to discuss such issues; letters are so much more powerful than email accounts and have to be taken seriously.
We'd give you all the support you need and if you'd like us to, assist with letter writing and advice on how to deal with the replies you receive; these officers need to be held accountable. I'm not going to lie and say as a result of your letters how we're policed will change over night but unless supporters do complain via the correct channels more and more of us will have to put up with being treated like criminals just for supporting our teams.
The addresses are: (you don't need me to tell you the address of your own club!!)
Directorate of Professional Standards
Customer Service Team
230-232 Putney Bridge Road
Putney
London
SW15 2PD
Phil Lawrence
Safety Officer
QPR FC
Loftus Road Stadium
South Africa Road
Shepherds Bush
London
W12 7PA
Contact details for your MP here:
link
I very much hope that you are prepared to complain via the above channels and look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes.
Amanda