Dear Steve

I am writing on behalf of the Football Supporters Association to request a review of the decision to restrict the away allocation at the above game to 1500 tickets.

By way of background, the FSF is the nationally recognised representative organisation for football supporters. We work closely with the UK Football Policing Unit on football policing matters both domestically and abroad, and with the football authorities on all matters relating to football supporters. I am the supporter representative on the FA Council.

The decision to restrict the Millwall allocation to 1500 does not appear consistent with the experience of Millwall's last two visits to West Ham when approximately 2600 away fans attended on the lower tier of the Centenary Stand without significant problems. Neither is it consistent with the significantly reduced levels of disorder associated with Millwall generally compared with some years ago. It is difficult to understand the logic behind the reduced allocation given the capacity of the lower tier because it would be possible to accommodate the larger allocation in that area without significant additional management problems.

The decision will cause understandable resentment among Millwall fans and will not therefore contribute positively to building up a good relationship between their fan base and the police.

Given the close geographic proximity of the two clubs in the same conurbation, it is unlikely to deter Millwall supporters without tickets from travelling, and will increase the likelihood of away supporters attempting to gain tickets in the home areas, which could of course be counter-productive to the maintenance of good order.

I would urge you to reconsider this decision which appears unnecessary, short-sighted and potentially counter-productive. If you feel able to do so, we will be happy to give public recognition to the police's constructive response to the issue.

Your sincerely

Football Supporters Federation