Swindon Town fans have reacted angrily to what they class as “over zealous” stewarding at the Liberty Stadium last Tuesday.
Their local paper (The Swindon Advertiser) carried a story from one fan who is urging fans to write to the Liberty Stadium to express their concerns at the stewarding and control that was enforced on them last Tuesday night. The paper claims that the 1000 (official away attendance of 523) fans were subjected to heaving handed stewarding which spoiled their evening out.
One fan claims that they were yelled at by stewards for standing up in anticipation of a goal and also claims the grounds staff became angry when they began to chant.
Nickqui Davies, the fan in question told the paper “It was bad enough that we lost 2-1 without the stewards being so harsh on us too.
“I’m so glad my children weren’t there, it would have spoiled everything for them.
“It would have been a little easier to swallow if Swansea were getting the same treatment but we were just picked on – it was pure discrimination.
“I know there are problems at football games but singling one set of supporters out for bad behaviour is just going to rile them up.
“They were even shouting at old men, telling them to sit down, but it’s the same with everyone – if there’s a corner we’re all on our feet waiting to see the outcome.”
It was a view echoed by PC Jim Neighbour, Swindon’s football liasion officer who said “When you enter the football ground the stewards are effectively the police, very much like a landlord in a pub choosing who to chuck out.
“They are working purely from a safety and security point of view which is why they ask people to sit down.
“Saying that, every approach is different depending on where you go.
“I won’t criticise their job because it is very difficult but I do have sympathy with anyone who feels there was any wrongdoing at the match.”
The Advertiser had contacted the Liberty Stadium and the proverbial spokesman said “We are unaware of there being any problems on Tuesday with Swindon fans and certainly nothing was brought to our attention following the game.
“We take the safety and enjoyment of all fans, both home and away, extremely seriously and, of course, we will look into this.
“We are proud of our safety record to date and will continue to ensure that fans of all ages enjoy a safe and exciting atmosphere.”
The comments from Swindon come on the back of comments from Swans fans at recent matches regarding over zealous stewarding which, based on comments alone, seems to have taken a turn from the worse. It is always disappointing to hear negative views from opposition fans regards the Liberty experience and that is something that needs to be addressed.