MCFC Stewards - agressive bullying tactics

[DenisLawBackHeel74]

I would also like to remind fans and stewards that common assualt charges can be brought even if there is no physical contact, the threat or percieved threat of an imminent assault is enough for charges to be brought....


Not trying to have a go mate but, don't you think that bringing an assault charge to a guy standing in front of you holding his arms would be considered a bit much?

whats the alternative, have a dust up in the stadium or do I meekly acquiesce and apologise for not doing as instructed?

My point is that there is legal recourse, ie other ways to deal with bully's rather than to give in and let them get away with it.<br /><br />-- Fri Oct 01, 2010 11:08 am --<br /><br />

I do exactly the same from block 107. I saw someone with the stewards in the family stand - I guess this was you then! It's ridiculous, by the time I was aroudn that area, the concourse is pretty much empty, so why is it such an issue.

Yes it was. By the time I got onto the concourse there was a cast of thousands....

 

[paphos-mcfc]

I would also like to remind fans and stewards that common assualt charges can be brought even if there is no physical contact, the threat or percieved threat of an imminent assault is enough for charges to be brought....


Not trying to have a go mate but, don't you think that bringing an assault charge to a guy standing in front of you holding his arms would be considered a bit much?

This, unfortunately, if went to court, would be kicked out. Only and only if you felt that the Steward was going to use immediate, unlawful, personal violence would you stand of pressing any charges. Other than that, it probably wouldn't even get to court. Anyway, laws in a footy ground are quite different in respect that it is an organized PRIVATE event, in which the public (general) do not have immediate access from kick off to so many minutes after the game. And the main power of the police is to help the stewards eject any person who is, drunk, unruly or in breach of any ground regulations.

Sorry for the rant.

Agree about stewards being held responsible for there actions though and I.d numbers would be a good Idea.

 

[blackley macca]

You should have got the stewards name/number, I sit in 109 and do the same every home game never had a problem!

 

[robsta]

DenisLawBackHeel74, I've done the same as you ever since we have been at COMS. Did it last night as usual. See plenty of others doing it and in both directions and really don't see why stewards or anyone else should object as long as no one is barging into each other.

Only thing I thought is do you have to cross the hospitality seats in the middle and is this why they objected. I used to sit in 224 and to get round I had to walk through that area. On some occasions there would be stewards stopping you as if you were going to sneak up into the bars or maybe even attack the rich people :-)

I've since moved to the other side of the hospitality and have never been stopped walking the shorter walk I have now. In fact I see a lot of the same stewards each week and on nodding terms with them.

 

[Royaloak]

The trouble is that some of the stewards, and I stress only some of them, think that they are police.

These 'Iwannabeacopper's' have probably failed to get into GMP, whic is saying something, because they will take pretty much anybody. As a consequence, that little bit of power that the jacket gives them becomes a really, really big deal for them and they make the most of it.

It happens at all football grounds and in day to day life with other low grade jobs carrying some authority. You are dealing with life's under achievers, who are being paid buttons and who feel they have to make up for it some other way.

 

[Mikeegrini]

I guess the showsec guys are employed on a job and finish basis?

Therefore the reason they are trying to empty the stadium as quickly as possible is so they can go home or get to the next job. So it's bollocks to you the paying customer I want to get paid as much as I can to do as little work as possible.

 

[blueskies2]

The trouble is that some of the stewards, and I stress only some of them, think that they are police.

These 'Iwannabeacopper's' have probably failed to get into GMP, whic is saying something, because they will take pretty much anybody. As a consequence, that little bit of power that the jacket gives them becomes a really, really big deal for them and they make the most of it.

It happens at all football grounds and in day to day life with other low grade jobs carrying some authority. You are dealing with life's under achievers, who are being paid buttons and who feel they have to make up for it some other way.

a bit like this bullying tw@t (if you are 12 he will take you on no worries)

Although he isn't MCFC he is a showsec rag

 

[JoeMercer'sWay]

the stewards kicked out some Juve fans for I don't know what.

 

[Timmmmahhhh]

The trouble is that some of the stewards, and I stress only some of them, think that they are police.

These 'Iwannabeacopper's' have probably failed to get into GMP, whic is saying something, because they will take pretty much anybody. As a consequence, that little bit of power that the jacket gives them becomes a really, really big deal for them and they make the most of it.

It happens at all football grounds and in day to day life with other low grade jobs carrying some authority. You are dealing with life's under achievers, who are being paid buttons and who feel they have to make up for it some other way.

a bit like this bullying tw@t (if you are 12 he will take you on no worries)

Although he isn't MCFC he is a showsec rag

So, how long till this thread is pulled?

 

[blueskies2]

the stewards kicked out some Juve fans for I don't know what.

Some were "staring out " the cops, then a few were acting stupid jumping up and down and mock fighting ...they were stood on seats, blatant smoking and generally being cnts.



Hang on that was the singing section ;)

 

[Colins Bellend]

Last night crossing the road down Jo Mercer way, the stewards stepped out to stop us as they always do for about a minute to let cars have their turn and this moron next to me says he's not having this sh*t so physically forces his way thru the stewards with what was very nearly assault, walks across road then stops and waits for his mates! That's the kind of moron that is all too prevelent these days at the ground.

Its a joke that the stewards stop you there because out side the police are stopping the cars so the ones from the car park cant go anywhere anyway.
On another point me and my lad walk up either spiral G or J to level 2 ,when we go in G we normally use the toilet at the door to L2 this season we were told by 2 yes 2 stewards manning the toilet door we couldn't use it anymore because it was for Executive use only, what a piss take (see what i did there)
All part of the "Premium Experience" that is Level 2

 

[WEMBLEY76]

I am a steward,have been for 7 years.Firstly all stewards have a number on their jacket to identify them.
Paradoxically,this story is of a fan trying to get out of the ground more efficiently,being stopped by a steward clearing his/her area as efficiently as possible,which is an important part of our job.
Both parties are in effect trying to get home as quick as possible,but the over riding concern is always safety and the ground regulations will probably cover this occurrence in some way.In every other public event you would always be expected to leave by your nearest exit,in line with fire regulations above all else,and going for a tour of the ground to suit your exit point is not an option.
It is not really about being awkward,as all the staff and systems are in place to cope with normal crowd access and egress,for example ticket access is by designated points within the ground and surely most fans can understand this would apply for leaving the ground,as the club have to be able to control this to a large degree to ensure safety,staffing levels etc...
Once again,it comes down to this me society we live in where everybody thinks they can do what they want without question and thought to other more important key factors......

 

[blueskies2]

I get sick of Stewards using the SAFETY excuse to be honest.
Its utter garbage.

You allow two to a seat crammed in and standing (how safe is that?) in many parts of the singing section and allowed Juve fans to STAND ON SEATS without doing a tap.

You stop people crossing the road at the car park for cars to simply park again at the lights.

You block a section of the exit to that road with barriers saying it's so we dont get KNOCKED OVER.

It's one rule for one and another for anyone else.

All boolox.

 

[Danny Hoekman]

I am a steward,have been for 7 years.Firstly all stewards have a number on their jacket to identify them.
Paradoxically,this story is of a fan trying to get out of the ground more efficiently,being stopped by a steward clearing his/her area as efficiently as possible,which is an important part of our job.
Both parties are in effect trying to get home as quick as possible,but the over riding concern is always safety and the ground regulations will probably cover this occurrence in some way.In every other public event you would always be expected to leave by your nearest exit,in line with fire regulations above all else,and going for a tour of the ground to suit your exit point is not an option.
It is not really about being awkward,as all the staff and systems are in place to cope with normal crowd access and egress,for example ticket access is by designated points within the ground and surely most fans can understand this would apply for leaving the ground,as the club have to be able to control this to a large degree to ensure safety,staffing levels etc...
Once again,it comes down to this me society we live in where everybody thinks they can do what they want without question and thought to other more important key factors......

Not being argumentative(!), but what isn't 'safe' about walking along a concourse?

 

[Trigger]

Perhaps the stewards would be a little less like jobsworths if they were allocated with a stewards number (as PC's do) which we could not down and use to identify the culprits in mind.

Its not beyond City to instigate this and it may cause a steward to think before getting shirty or heavy.

Anyone else think that would help?

Stewards are allocated a numbered coat which they keep for the season, the number is clearly visible on the right breat pocket.

I was confronted by a steward who blocked my path and was quite agressive and confrontational

Yeah, sounds like Trigger ;-)

Oi watch it, nothing to do with me!

I think thats a good call, a little training in how to deal with 'customers' wouldn't go amiss either.

All stewards are trained to at least NVQ level 2 in event stewarding, which also includes First Event.

The trouble is that some of the stewards, and I stress only some of them, think that they are police.

These 'Iwannabeacopper's' have probably failed to get into GMP, whic is saying something, because they will take pretty much anybody. As a consequence, that little bit of power that the jacket gives them becomes a really, really big deal for them and they make the most of it.

It happens at all football grounds and in day to day life with other low grade jobs carrying some authority. You are dealing with life's under achievers, who are being paid buttons and who feel they have to make up for it some other way.

Ha Ha that really made me laugh, I am a HR Manager for Food and Drinks Company that employs over 400 staff! I use the extra revenue from stewarding to pay for my City away trips (incl Europe) as many on here can vouch for me, I certainly don't feel like an under achiever.

Additionally I concur with Wembley76 comments, stewards are requested to clear the stadium as quickly and safely as possible, which I think the steward was probably trying to do. If the steward was aggressive then simply take his number and report the incident but ensure you give all the details and correct facts. There are many, many cameras covering the concourses and the incident would be caught on CCTV.

For those in 110 you will notice for the Arsenal game and from then on you will have a new steward on your perimeter gate, please be nice to him he is a very friendly steward there to ensure that you have an excellent matchday experience. If you have any problems to make your day better feel free to approach introduce and ask him, and I can assure you he will do his best he can to assist.

Yes! I am moving to 110 from 107 in two games time ;)

 

[Mikeegrini]

I am a steward,have been for 7 years.Firstly all stewards have a number on their jacket to identify them.
Paradoxically,this story is of a fan trying to get out of the ground more efficiently,being stopped by a steward clearing his/her area as efficiently as possible,which is an important part of our job.
surely by allowing a fan to exit the ground and it's environs as quicly as possible is doing you job to it's best And in the bigger picture of thing the safest?
Both parties are in effect trying to get home as quick as possible, but only on is being paid the other is the customer?but the over riding concern is always safety and the ground regulations will probably cover this occurrence in some way.In every other public event you would always be expected to leave by your nearest exit,in line with fire regulations above all else,and going for a tour of the ground to suit your exit point is not an optionperfect example of the attitude which winds folk up and is unnecessary .
It is not really about being awkward,as all the staff and systems are in place to cope with normal crowd access and egress,for example ticket access is by designated points within the ground and surely most fans can understand this would apply for leaving the ground my season ticket offers access from points b to k, quite a large section and not the nearest always,as the club have to be able to control this to a large degree to ensure safety,staffing levels etc...
Once again,it comes down to this me society we live in where everybody thinks they can do what they want without question and thought to other more important key factors......

Nothing to do with the 'me society' more to do with the use your common sense don't hide behind bullshit society.

You haven't dealt with most of the points from the OP tbh.
I don't think your job is easy and there are so tools in the crowd but look to the annual report today page 14 The City Promise point 3 Your safety is our priority 4 We will go the extra mile to help you........ really????

Edit looking forward to seeing you on 110 Trig will be saying hello.

 

[Trigger]

I am a steward,have been for 7 years.Firstly all stewards have a number on their jacket to identify them.
Paradoxically,this story is of a fan trying to get out of the ground more efficiently,being stopped by a steward clearing his/her area as efficiently as possible,which is an important part of our job.
Both parties are in effect trying to get home as quick as possible,but the over riding concern is always safety and the ground regulations will probably cover this occurrence in some way.In every other public event you would always be expected to leave by your nearest exit,in line with fire regulations above all else,and going for a tour of the ground to suit your exit point is not an option.
It is not really about being awkward,as all the staff and systems are in place to cope with normal crowd access and egress,for example ticket access is by designated points within the ground and surely most fans can understand this would apply for leaving the ground,as the club have to be able to control this to a large degree to ensure safety,staffing levels etc...
Once again,it comes down to this me society we live in where everybody thinks they can do what they want without question and thought to other more important key factors......

Not being argumentative(!), but what isn't 'safe' about walking along a concourse?

Just to play devils advocate, have you walked up and down market Street on a shopping day at Christmas, people barging a bumping into each other!

The one thing you wouldn't want is people walking around and through the Family stand area of the North Stand with all the young kids there.

If there was a fire or evacuation would you leave through the nearest exit or would you walk around still on the concourse as it was closer to your car!

As I say just being mischievous, stewards still have duties to perform after fans have left and this is why fans are asked to leave by the nearest exit, so they can perform tasks such as checking for any damaged seats, checking exit gates are locked and secured, no property has been left behind, completing incident reports etc.

 

[Anonymous]

It all appears a bit over-zealous on the part of the stewards to me ..... what harm were you really doing?

I've been at many grounds down the years where people exit around the pitch , or by other stadium methods ...... Blackburn is one , look at how many people walk out IN FRONT of their stand , down the side of the pitch , without committing any nuisance , and certainly without needless intervention from stewards?


All a bit on the petty side if you ask me ......

 

[WEMBLEY76]

You are not seeing the wider picture,it is not unsafe to walk along the concourse,BUT there are other issues the club has to address,which I have mentioned in my post.The club is given a licence to stage football matches
and the conditions of that licence have to be strictly adhered to,or the club
could lose this right.
As a fan for some 40 years I do understand peoples frustrations,however we have to work within the ground rules which are quite detailed and are there to
protect everybody,post Hillsborough you could say these rules may go over the top,however the licensing authorities (Manchester Council) can and do make surprise visits and check these rules are upheld.
Did you know for example that taking pohotos in the stadium is not a right and technically you ought to ask the clubs permission before doing so ?

Premier League also set rules out covering copyrighting of images,fans should be aware of these restrictions and stop giving stewards a hard time when they are doing their job.

 

[blueskies2]

we don't mind Stewards doing a reasonable job but not over zealous or bullying boolox.

We also like to see consistency and common sense.

What is safe about allowing two to a seat in the singing section for example? Or allowing Juve fans to stand on seats?

You seem to turn a blind eye to some things then clamp down on others.

Consistency.