Smurthwaite blasts ’embarrassing’ police intel (and OVF agrees)
Port Vale chairman Norman Smuthwaite has attacked the Police for “dictatorial and disproportionate actions” after the club’s game against Doncaster was deemed high risk.
There was a general feeling at the ground that the huge numbers of police was completely over-the-top for the small and well-behaved Doncaster away contigent.
Vale have also been forced into changing parking arrangements and constructed an expensive fence following meetings with the police.
In a tweet Smurthwaite complained to Chief Constable Jane Sawyers and suggested that the club would appeal the police costs for the Doncaster game.
The tweets read:
Chief Constable Jane Sawyers you should hang your head in shame.I have had to suffer a dictatorial & disproportionate actions of your staff
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) August 22, 2015
The intel today was at best embarrassing and they clearly do not have a clue.I would have more confidence in the local Girl Guides.
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) August 22, 2015
If this is the best that can be provided and do not understand the needs of Burslem & our community your post in acting Chief Constable will
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) August 22, 2015
be short lived.You need your staff getting up to speed quickly, as you are aware l have no trust or confidence in you dept and that is
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) August 22, 2015
putting people in harms way >Matthew will be getting my appeal and no payment will be made for today so you are wasting Tax payers monies
— Norman Smurthwaite (@smurfpvfc) August 22, 2015
OVF Opinion
On this occasion I could not agree more with Norman. In my view, the police have damaged their reputation in recent days. They have come across as draconian at best and at worst looking like they have a grudge against the clubs (especially when you consider their comments to the Doncaster Rovers Supporters Club slamming the Vale). It would have been hysterical if it wasn’t so expensive, to have seen more police than Doncaster fans at the ground on Saturday.
The club are clearly frustrated because every time they appeal, the police can simply reply that public safety is at risk and the club, of course, cannot appeal if that is the response.
So, it is high time that the police changed their attitude and worked with, rather than against Port Vale FC. I blogged on this earlier this week and I repeat the link and the title of that article for any police representative reading – Police’s professionalism and relationship with Vale MUST improve.
Rob Fielding – onevalefan.co.uk