By Tim Parsons-
Football fans getting ready for the new season have been reminded to be alert to potential terrorist plots and to ‘Know The Game Plan’ and report any security concerns to stewards or staff.Officers have been working with the Premier League, EFL (English Football League) and individual clubs to enhance measures designed to keep supporters safe, and to raise and awareness of the threat from terrorism among club employees and supporters alike.
Despite no specific known threat to football grounds, the project is part of a police operation to raise consciousness of the very possibility of terrorists targeting football grounds, and to work closely with different sectors such as retail, hospitality and entertainment to help protect the public. Alan Shearer, David Seaman and Paul Parker all took part in a police campaign during the recent World Cup, and police want football eye not to take their eyes of the ball of diligence , give the real threat of terrorists that still exists, particularly for any crowded areas in the country.
Other sports including rugby, tennis and cricket have also been supporting the ‘Know The Game Plan’ initiative, while former England internationals Alan Shearer, David Seaman and Paul Parker took part in a police campaign during the recent World Cup.
Stewards expected to be on duty at nearly a quarter of a million sports events have been issued with a short guide giving key advice to help protect crowds of spectators.
National Coordinator for Protective Security, Chief Superintendent Nick Aldworth said:
The chance of being caught up in a terrorist attack is low but we want the public to feel confident to come forward and report any concerns if they see something suspicious to matchday staff or police.
The more clubs encourage supporters to do this, the more likely they are to act on their instincts and not worry they might be mistaken or wasting time.
Most concerns will turn out to be nothing and that’s absolutely fine. It’s far better to say something than risk an important piece of information being missed.
Our mantra is Action Counters Terrorism. If you see something, don’t hesitate to ACT.
Bob Eastwood, Security and Operations Adviser for the EFL added:
Getting supporters to think about security is just part of the work football has been doing in partnership with the police. Over the last 12 months we have held many events all over the country so counter-terrorism officers and stadium security managers can share their knowledge and do all we can to stay a step ahead.The safety of all fans is football’s number one priority and we all have a role to play in doing everything we can to keep each other safe – police, officials and supporters.
The key ‘Know The Game Plan’ advice all fans are asked to follow is: arrive early, allowing more time for security checks, minimize what you carry. Organizers admitted that fewer bag searches will speed up entry to the ground, so urged fans to be vigilant at all times and if you see anything suspicious, tell a steward right away if you see anything that could pose an immediate threat to safety, call 999 in an emergency, listen to the public address instructions and follow them if told to evacuate, do so immediately. It further warns fans not to wait around to film events on your mobile phone. It adds that they should move right away from the stadium as quickly as possible for your safety and to allow clear access for any emergency vehicles once you are safe, follow the local police force on Twitter for updates.