(12/04/06)

Met with him to discuss stewarding and policing, a frank and open discussion, I explained the frustration of the fans for the heavy handedness of the stewards and the heavy police presence for any incidents.

I mentioned in particular the Brighton game as I had seen a lot of "goings on" in the West Upper block 1 and East Upper block 19, I asked for him to explain how the stewarding works as to me there appeared no valid reason, he responded with the below:

Once someone has been "seen" acting inappropriately a steward is sent to have a word, if this does not resolve the issue then further stewards are engaged, if this does not solve the problem the police arrive, at which point I butted in and said yes very heavy handed, he explained that when the police attend any incident there must be 10 officers and 1 sergeant I told him this was outrageous he explained it wasn't Millwalls doing but Health & Safety regulations.

I asked him to tell me what led to the Brighton "goings on" at which point he summoned the stadium manager who produced a video showing a fan spitting at fans and throwing coins, the fan was spoken to by a steward but his father got involved and then a group of about 30 went down on the concourse to confront the stewards, it was all there in black and white (colour actually), he then showed me video of fans throwing coins from the East Upper into the Brighton fans, then 4 letters from the FA he had received since Christmas they had been sent as 4 officials at separate games had reported that they physical evidence of missiles thrown onto the pitch.

So as Fan Director what do I do? What would you do? Can this be defended? Can we self police to stop this happening? I don't know all the answers.

There a 3 laws that come into force during the game that could possibly lead to a fine or ground closure

• Missiles hitting the pitch
• Pitch encroachment
• Drinking alcohol in view of the pitch, there he laboured are not Millwall rules but FA rules

He never said this outright but my gut feeling was the club feel the FA are out to get us one way or another, the 4 reports are still being dealt with.

Chapman agreed some of the stewards that man the games have been less than perfect, but several have been removed, we the fans need to make a note of any issues we have had, but it needs to be first hand, not what we have been told, send the instances to me and I can raise them.

I asked for the following:

• Regular meetings with stadium staff throughout the season
• A regular forum for fans to ask him and his team questions
• A break down of all "events" at the end of each game for publication to fans

All were agreed to.

I will be attending the end of season briefing with the Police in May where I will tell them who I represent and the feeling of the fans.

None of the above is my opinion it is what I have been told and shown

I also want 6-8 people to attend a meeting with Chapman when I can arrange it. If you want to get your point over to him I will arrange petergarston@hotmail.com. If you have any suggestions about the above email me and I will try and get your questions answered, don't shoot the messenger!