Statement following policing of Crystal Palace vs Brighton
02 February 2012
Police are issuing the following statement following feedback over the use of crowd management tactics following Tuesday's (31 January) match between Crystal Palace FC and Brighton FC:
Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts, who was leading the policing operation at last night's game said: "We took the decision to implement crowd management measures after Tuesday night's match between Crystal Palace and Brighton - in particular to hold back some CPFC fans in the Park Road Stand and the closure of Holmesdale Road at the junction with Park Road immediately after the game.
"I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused to spectators as a result of these measures. Whilst I understand their frustration, I assure CPFC supporters that I considered such measures to be absolutely necessary in the interests of public safety.
"Furthermore, these measures were implemented for the minimum time necessary to achieve the objective; and were subsequently justified by the fact that police had to respond to a confrontation between rival supporters at Norwood Junction after the game.
"Had this happened outside the ground - which I'm convinced it would have had I not implemented these measures - then I have no doubt that we would be discussing a much more serious public disorder incident and many innocent fans would have been caught up in this.
"I want to reassure CPFC fans that such decisions are not taken lightly; that this is not a targeting of Palace fans as a cohort. Again, I sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result, but ultimately my job is to keep the public safe and any threat to this is simply not an option."
Croydon Borough Commander Chief Superintendent David Musker added: "I am a member of the MPS Public Order Senior Cadre and an experienced Football Match Commander. I attended the match to observe and tactics used by Chief Superintendent Roberts were a proportionate and necessary policing response, based on intelligence, to prevent serious public disorder and criminality. I will, of course, debrief the policing operation with my colleagues and the club to learn any lessons for the future.
"My objective is to maintain the excellent working relationships we have in place with CPFC and the local community; each game will continue to be policed on the intelligence and in partnership with the club.
"However, I wish it to be absolutely clear that Croydon Police will take robust action, where appropriate, to deal with individuals who use football as an excuse for violence and negatively impact upon the local community and real CPFC fans' desire to enjoy the game and support their club."