(26/05/06)

Following the recent arrests made in connection with matches at Millwall, both Suzanne Roberts-Attwood Chair of the Millwall Supporters Club and Peter Garston the Millwall FC Fan Director were contacted by the Head of Lewisham Police - Chief Superintendent Torrance and a short notice meeting was arranged to discuss the situation. It appears that two waves of arrests were made: Six Crystal Palace fans for damage made to the walkway following the game in February. Five Millwall fans for alleged offences made after an incident in the West Lower during the Wolves game in January, as well as from the East Upper 'youth' element - mainly for coin throwing in the game against Brighton in April.

A free and frank discussion took place relating to the feeling amongst many in the Millwall support that the police were targeting them unfairly. Both the MSC and the Fan Director stated that whilst they support action taken against any individual believed to be guilty of disorder offences, equally it is reasonable to expect high standards from the police service at the same time. Chief Superintendent Torrance accepted the need for unprofessional behaviour by his officers to be dealt with as severely as unacceptable behaviour amongst fans.

With regard to the allegations made on the Internet regarding the events at the Wolves match, these are sub-judice, as a court case has been lodged against various parties involved in the events. However, Peter Garston pressed the police on this point. He stated that he had heard that a child had been injured during the Wolves arrests.

The police replied that no children were hurt - or reported hurt - as a result of this action. Peter then asked to see the video in question to satisfy his own mind. Unfortunately due to the legal proceedings, this was not possible until after the court case - however, the police agreed to do so at that point. The officer confirmed that he had watched the video three times and had not seen a child getting hurt. The police case will, however, include the video as part of the evidence placed before the court.

Both the MSC and the Fan Director forcefully stressed the need for Police to be more accountable. In turn the police stated that they are willing to meet the fans in the near future to discuss all aspects of policing. It was also agreed that rumours needed to be quashed as soon as possible. With that in mind, meetings after any incidents at matches will be arranged as a matter of urgency. The meeting closed with an agreement to review further incidents on a match-by-match basis.